🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-4

Model Alias:

RX4

Chassis Codes:

LA2, LA2S, LA2V

Production Years:

1972-1980

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact sports coupe/sedan, often considered a 'pony car' or 'sports compact' competitor of its era.

Era Context:

Launched during the golden age of rotary engine development by Mazda, positioning itself as a sporty and stylish alternative.

Competitors:

Challenged models like the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Datsun 240Z, and Toyota Celica.

Powertrain:

Unique rotary Wankel engine, offering a smooth, high-revving driving experience.

Design:

Stylish coupe and sedan body styles, often praised for their sporty lines and European-influenced aesthetics.

Handling:

Rear-wheel drive, balanced weight distribution contributing to agile handling characteristics.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely Printed or Digital (PDF)

Page Count:

Substantial (described as 'massive complete workshop manual')

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Rotary engines (12A, 13B variants), including disassembly, assembly, troubleshooting, and component specifics.

Fuel System:

Carburetor systems (e.g., Mikuni, Hitachi), fuel pump, lines, and tank servicing.

Ignition System:

Distributor, coils, spark plugs, timing adjustment, and related components.

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, water pump, hoses, thermostat, and coolant specifications.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, pipes, muffler, and emissions control components.

Transmission Manual:

Manual gearbox (e.g., 4-speed, 5-speed), clutch, shifter mechanism, and related components.

Transmission Automatic:

Optional automatic transmission servicing (if applicable to specific model variants covered).

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, differential, axle shafts, and wheel bearings.

Suspension Front:

Independent front suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, and alignment specifications.

Suspension Rear:

Leaf spring or coil spring rear suspension (depending on model variant), shock absorbers, and axle location components.

Steering System:

Steering gearbox, steering column, tie rods, and power steering system (if equipped).

Brake System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (typical), master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders, and parking brake.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, gauges, fuses, and relays.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal/installation, frame repair, doors, windows, weatherstripping, and interior trim.

Heating And Ventilation:

HVAC system components, controls, blower motor, and heater core.

Maintenance:

Routine service, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, and inspection procedures.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts and procedures for common issues across all major systems.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for mechanical and electrical components.

Overhaul:

Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures.

Adjustment:

Carburetor adjustment, ignition timing, valve clearance (if applicable to rotary apex seals in practice), brake adjustments.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical data.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Details:

If PDF, typically searchable text, printable pages, and high-resolution diagrams.

Print Details:

For printed versions, expect clear text and high-quality reproductions of diagrams and illustrations.

Binding Details:

Likely spiral-bound or perfect-bound for ease of use in a workshop environment.

Paper Details:

Durable paper stock suitable for workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Rotary Wankel

Engine Codes:

12A (e.g., 1.2L equivalent displacement), 13B (e.g., 1.3L equivalent displacement)

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 100-130 hp depending on specific engine and emissions controls.

Torque Range:

Approximately 100-120 lb-ft.

Redline:

Typically higher than piston engines, often around 6000-7000 RPM.

Fuel Delivery:

Carbureted (single or dual barrel) is standard for most models.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission.

Type:

3-speed automatic transmission (less common).

Drive:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD).

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

2-door Coupe, 4-door Sedan, and potentially a Station Wagon variant (Familia model).

Wheelbase:

Approx. 98.2 inches (2495 mm).

Length:

Approx. 165-175 inches (4190-4445 mm) depending on body style.

Width:

Approx. 64.8 inches (1645 mm).

Height:

Approx. 52.6-54.7 inches (1335-1390 mm) depending on body style.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2200-2500 lbs (1000-1135 kg) depending on configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

Era Context:

Safety standards were less stringent than modern vehicles. No specific NHTSA/IIHS ratings available for this era.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes typical. Power assist often optional.

Steering:

Recirculating ball steering, power steering generally optional.

Seatbelts:

Standard lap and shoulder belts.

Construction:

Unitized body construction with crumple zones typical for the era.

💡 Technology Features

Features:

Basic analog radio (AM/FM), optional 8-track player or cassette deck. Simple heater controls.

Features:

None by modern standards. Features would be limited to basic instrumentation and controls.

Features:

No electronic connectivity features.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, using high-quality oil (check manual for specific API rating).

Spark Plugs:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (specific rotary plugs).

Apex Seals:

Inspection/replacement is a major engine overhaul item, not a routine interval. Longevity varies significantly with maintenance and driving style.

Engine Oil:

Refer to manual for viscosity (e.g., 10W-30 or 10W-40). Specific rotary oil additive might be recommended for some early models or specific applications. **Crucially, it requires a pre-mix of 2-stroke oil in the fuel or a functioning oil injection system.**

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid:

Manual: GL-4 gear oil (e.g., 75W-90). Automatic: Dexron II or equivalent.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Apex Seals:

Wear and failure of apex seals, leading to compression loss, rough running, and starting issues. Critical to proper lubrication and avoiding overheating.

Carburetor:

Tuning issues, float bowl problems, vacuum leaks.

Rotary Oil Injection:

Failure of the oil metering pump (OMP) system, leading to lack of lubrication for seals and bearings.

Cooling System:

Overheating due to inefficient radiator design or blockages, exacerbated by rotary engine heat output.

Electrical Corrosion:

Common in classic cars, manifesting as dim lights, starting problems, or non-functional accessories.

📚 Vehicle History

Rotary Pioneering:

Mazda's commitment to rotary engine technology, beginning with the Cosmo and continuing with the RX series.

Predecessor:

Mazda R100 (Familia Rotary).

Successor:

Mazda RX-7 (first generation, SA22C).

Manufacturing Location:

Japan.

Market Impact:

Helped establish Mazda's reputation for sporty, rotary-powered vehicles.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Market Reputation:

Gained a cult following for its rotary performance and unique character. Recognized in enthusiast circles as a classic Japanese sports car.

Contemporary Reviews:

Praised for performance and handling, though some contemporary reviews noted the rotary's thirst for fuel and specific maintenance needs.