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Introduction
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Market Position
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Description:
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The Mazda RX-3 was a significant model for Mazda, showcasing their pioneering rotary engine technology in a compact, sporty package. It competed in the affordable sports coupe/sedan segment.
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Competitive Analysis
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Competitors:
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Competed with vehicles like the Toyota Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno, Datsun 1200/Sunny, and other compact sporty cars of the era.
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Key Features
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Rotary Engine:
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Distinctive rotary (Wankel) engine provided a unique driving experience and compact power unit.
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Styling:
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Offered in coupe, sedan, and station wagon body styles, with a focus on sporty and stylish design.
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Manual Value
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User Suitability:
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Aimed at technicians, mechanics, and owners who want to perform repairs, maintenance, or learn about the vehicle's intricacies.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Engine Systems:
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Rotary engine (12A) overhaul, component replacement, tuning, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery (carburetor and early fuel injection on some variants).
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Transmission Systems:
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Manual and automatic transmission service, gear changes, clutch assembly, driveline components, differential service.
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Braking Systems:
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Front disc and rear drum brake systems, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, parking brake.
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Electrical Systems:
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Complete wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, ignition system, lighting, gauges, switches, fuses, battery service.
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Suspension Steering:
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Front independent suspension (struts, control arms), rear leaf spring suspension, power steering (if equipped), steering column, steering linkage.
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Body Chassis:
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Body panel repair, chassis lubrication, door mechanisms, window regulators, structural components.
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Heating Cooling Ac:
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Heater core, blower motor, defroster, and air conditioning system service (if factory equipped).
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Fuel And Emission Systems:
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Carburetor service and adjustment, fuel tank, fuel lines, emission control devices (e.g., air injection).
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance Procedures:
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Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement (for piston variants, though RX-3 is rotary), lubrication points.
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Diagnostic Procedures:
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Troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.
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Repair Procedures:
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Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
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Rebuild Procedures:
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Detailed instructions for engine rebuild (apex seals, rotor housing inspection), transmission overhaul, brake caliper/wheel cylinder rebuilding.
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Electrical Troubleshooting:
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Diagnosis of wiring issues, component testing using multimeters, fault finding based on symptoms.
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Alignment Specifications:
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Wheel alignment angles (camber, caster, toe), steering alignment.
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and dedicated DIY enthusiasts. Includes torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, and diagnostic charts.
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change:
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Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for exact specifications).
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Air Filter:
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Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed.
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Spark Plugs:
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N/A (Rotary engine uses a different ignition system, not spark plugs in the traditional sense for combustion initiation).
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil:
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API SE/SF service classification, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 typically recommended. Rotary engines require specific oil types and can consume oil as part of their operation; manual will specify.
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Coolant:
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Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity around 5-6 liters. Manual will specify type and capacity.
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Brake Fluid:
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DOT 3 or DOT 4 recommended. Capacity typically less than 1 liter. Manual will specify type and capacity.
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Transmission Fluid:
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Manual: GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90). Automatic: Dexron II or equivalent. Capacities around 1.5-2 liters for manual, 4-5 liters for automatic. Manual will specify.
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Differential Fluid:
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GL-5 gear oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90). Capacity around 1.2-1.5 liters. Manual will specify.
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Known Issues
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Apex Seals:
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Wear of apex seals is a common issue in rotary engines, leading to compression loss and poor performance. Requires engine rebuild.
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Oil Consumption:
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Rotary engines inherently consume oil for lubrication of the rotor housings and seals. Owners must monitor and top up oil regularly.
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Carburetor Tuning:
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Carburetors can require frequent adjustment and cleaning, especially with age and fuel variations.
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