1971–1977 Mazda RX-2 & RX-3 Factory Service Manual (P/N 0-89287-236-5 / 978-0-89287-236-7)

• U.S.-market coverage: Covers 1971-1974 RX-2 and 1971-1977 RX-3 models. The main chapters apply to both cars through 1974; a separate supplement records changes unique to 1975-1977 RX-3 models.
• Rotary-engine repair: Documents engine removal, rotor-housing teardown, seal and bearing inspection, eccentric-shaft work, oil-pump service, wear-limit checks, end-play adjustment, and final assembly.
• Fuel, exhaust, and emissions: Breaks down the carburetor and related systems by production period, including contact-point and solid-state fuel pumps, air injection, thermal reactor, deceleration controls, evaporative emissions, and later EGR and ignition-control testing.
• Clutch and drivetrain: Covers hydraulic-cylinder overhaul and bleeding, internal 4-speed manual transmission repair, and on-car testing and adjustment for the 3-speed automatic transmission.
• Brakes and chassis: Details front discs, rear drums, calipers, wheel and master cylinders, vacuum booster, drive shaft, rear axle and differential, McPherson-strut front suspension, wheel bearings, alignment, and steering.
• Electrical documentation: Supplies model- and system-specific diagrams for 1972-1973 RX-2/RX-3 and 1974-1977 RX-3 models, backed by starter, alternator, regulator, ignition, lighting, instrument, horn, and wiper service information.

Model, Transmission, and File Coverage

Built around the 1146cc two-rotor Wankel used in both cars, this Clymer manual is suited to experienced DIY owners and independent mechanics who are comfortable with metric tools, precision measuring equipment, and machine-shop limits. It identifies repair work that can be handled in a well-equipped home shop and flags operations better assigned to a Mazda dealer or specialist.

The 15-part set contains 262 PDF pages. The book’s printed pagination runs through page 245, with four unnumbered notes pages and a separate 12-page wiring section among the supplied files.

The standard drivetrain coverage is the 4-speed manual and 3-speed automatic. The automatic section distinguishes the 3N71B used through 1973 from the 1974 R3A, with fluid checks, linkage and inhibitor-switch adjustment, pressure testing, removal, and installation. Internal automatic transmission overhaul is outside the manual’s scope. A 5-speed manual became available in 1976, but the supplement only states that its removal and installation follow the 4-speed procedure; it does not provide internal 5-speed overhaul instructions.

Rotary Engine, Fuel, and Emissions

The engine chapter goes well beyond routine tune-up work. It covers removal and installation, main and metering oil pumps, flywheel or torque-converter drive plate, rotor and housing disassembly, stationary and rotor bearing work, apex, side, corner, and oil-seal inspection, corner-seal bore reaming, engine assembly, and eccentric-shaft end-play. Reference tables provide torque specifications, wear limits, clearances, capacities, pressure-test figures, and electrical test values. Illustrated Mazda tools include flywheel puller 49 0823 300, main-bearing drift 49 0813 235, corner-seal bore gauge 49 0839 165, and rotor-bearing expander 49 0813 245.

Fuel-system coverage separates RX-2 cars through car No. 96266, which use a contact-point fuel pump, from later RX-2s and all RX-3s with a solid-state pump. Carburetor exploded views and repair procedures cover the 1971, 1972, and 1973-1974 configurations. The later supplement adds year-specific carburetor adjustments, separate 1975-1976 and 1977 ignition-timing procedures, three-point 1975-1976 and two-point 1977 ignition-control systems, and the 1977 California automatic-transmission EGR system.

During engine teardown, the front and rear rotor housings must remain identified because they are not interchangeable, and uneven release or tightening of the housing tension bolts can warp them. During assembly, an incorrectly positioned front needle-bearing spacer can destroy the bearings immediately after startup.

Brakes, Suspension, and Technical Diagrams

Brake coverage includes pad and shoe replacement, caliper and wheel-cylinder overhaul, disc and drum inspection, master-cylinder and vacuum-booster service, hydraulic bleeding, pedal adjustment, warning-switch diagnosis, and separate RX-2/RX-3 hydraulic layouts. The chassis chapters add drive-shaft service, rear-axle removal and bearing replacement, differential inspection, RX-2 and RX-3 rear-suspension layouts, front wheel-bearing service, ball joints, stabilizers, steering gear and linkage, and alignment checks. Differential internal repair is specifically reserved for a properly equipped professional shop.

The illustrations include the engine operating-principle sequence; front and rear rotor/end-housing exploded views; the main and metering oil-pump assembly; year-specific carburetor assemblies; RX-2/RX-3 brake hydraulics; and full wiring sheets. The 1977 diagrams divide charging/starting/fuel-pump, emission/kick-down/ignition, meters and warning lights, wipers, exterior lighting and horn, and air-conditioning/heater/radio circuits into separate sheets.

Brake, suspension, and driveline work requires secure vehicle support and appropriate lifting equipment. The manual also warns that the front strut’s center nut must not be released while the coil spring is uncontrolled.