Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, home mechanics, classic car owners, professional technicians
Advantage Over Print:
More affordable, convenient digital format, easily printable sections, readily accessible across devices, no risk of damage or wear.
Content Richness:
Hundreds of pages with detailed step-by-step instructions, hundreds of photos and illustrations for visual guidance.
Usability:
Easy to use, guides through each service and repair procedure, written for both novice and experienced users.
Cost Savings:
Inexpensive way to keep vehicle working properly and save money on mechanic labor costs.
Applicable Years:
1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978
Body Styles Covered:
All Styles
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (exact count not specified, but implies comprehensive)
Type:
Complete Official Full Factory Service Repair Manual / Workshop Manual
Engine Management:
Engine Service/Repair, Engine Control System, Fuel Injection, Fuel System, Emission System
Drivetrain:
Transmission Service/Repair, Differential/Drive, Axle
Chassis And Suspension:
Suspension, Steering, Chassis/Body
Braking System:
Brake System
Electrical And Lighting:
Wiring Diagram, Electrical System
Comfort And Climate:
Heater/Air Conditioning
Interior And Safety:
Interior, Restraint System
Cooling System Coverage:
Cooling System service and repair, including radiator, hoses, thermostat, water pump.
Fuel Injection Coverage:
Fuel Injection system service and repair (for models equipped with it, though carburetors were more common).
Emission System Coverage:
Emission System components and maintenance, including emissions controls relevant to the period.
Chassis Body Coverage:
Chassis and Body repairs, including frame, body panels, doors, windows, and interior trim.
Restraint System Coverage:
Information related to the restraint system, likely focusing on seatbelt maintenance and adjustments.
Interior Coverage:
Service and repair of interior components, upholstery, dashboard, and trim.
Drive Axle Coverage:
Service and repair of the differential and drive axles, including fluid changes and component inspection.
General Tasks:
General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication, Troubleshooting
Repair Tasks:
Complete disassembly and reassembly procedures, detailed step-by-step instructions for all systems
Troubleshooting Methodology:
Provides guidance for diagnosing and resolving common problems with step-by-step procedures.
Lubrication Schedule:
Details periodic lubrication points and intervals for various chassis components.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level service and repair information suitable for DIYers and experienced mechanics.
Illustrations And Photos:
Includes hundreds of photos and illustrations to aid in understanding repair procedures.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Covers diagnostics for all major systems, enabling identification of faults.
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel) Engine
Engine Designation Common:
Rotary 12A
Rotor Displacement:
1146 cc (each rotor)
Total Effective Displacement:
2292 cc (equivalent to approximately 3.6L piston engine displacement)
Horsepower Approximate:
110-130 HP (depending on variant and market)
Torque Approximate:
120-135 lb-ft (depending on variant and market)
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (typically twin downdraft carburetors)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (though leaded was common during the early years of its production, the manual will cover correct fuel for the era)
Safety Standards Era:
Meets safety regulations of its respective production years; specific crash test ratings from modern organizations are generally not available for vehicles of this era.
Braking System Type:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes
Seatbelts:
Standard seatbelts (likely lap belts in front, possibly lap belts in rear).
Restraint System Coverage:
Covered in the manual includes seatbelt maintenance and adjustment if applicable.
Oil Change Interval Typical:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical for the era and rotary engines, consult manual for specific recommendations).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Varies; typically 12,000-15,000 miles, specific type required for rotary engines.
Engine Oil Type Recommendation:
API SF or SG classification, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (consult manual for exact specification and oil capacity, especially considering apex seal lubrication needs).
Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Gear Oil (for manual transmission); Dexron II or equivalent for automatic (consult manual for exact specs and capacity).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water) - capacity approx. 7-8 liters (consult manual).
Common Rotary Engine Wear:
Apex seal wear, oil seal degradation, carbon buildup in the rotor housing, potential for overheating if cooling system is not maintained.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetors may require periodic adjustment or rebuilding due to age and wear.
Electrical System Reliability:
Aging wiring harnesses and electrical components can lead to intermittent issues.
Manufacturer Focus:
Mazda is renowned for its innovative rotary engine technology and engaging driving dynamics, particularly in its earlier sports car models.
Model Lineage:
The RX-2 (also known as the Capella Rotary in some markets) was one of Mazda's early successes in popularizing the Wankel rotary engine, bridging the gap between the sporty R100 and the larger RX-4.
Production Period Vehicle:
1970-1978 (as covered by this manual)
Production Location Typical:
Japan