Mazda1995–1997Technical specifications

121 1.8: Technical specifications

Workshop data for the 1.8-litre diesel (engine code RTJ). Covers engine, fluids, brakes, service, torques and air conditioning: the figures to check before a job or a parts order.

Summary

Match the engine code (RTJ) to the vehicle before ordering parts or applying these figures.

Vehicle specifications

Overview

Make: Mazda
Model: 121
Years: 1995–1997
Fuel: Diesel
Engine code: RTJ

Performance & efficiency

Power: 44 kW (60 hp)
Engine size: 1,753 cc
Cylinders: 4 · OHC
Compression ratio: 21.5:1

Fluids & capacities

Engine oil (with the filter): 4.5 litres

All 88 specifications below

Engine & identification

Vehicle identification

No. of cylinders Type	4/OHC
Capacity cc	1753
Compression ratio :1	21,5

Injection system

Pump type	Rotary

Injection sequence

The injection sequence for the Mazda 121 1.8 (1995–1997) is 1-3-4-2.

Injection sequence	1-3-4-2

Valve clearances

Valve clearances for the Mazda 121 1.8 (1995–1997) are 0,30-0,40 mm inlet and 0,45-0,55 mm exhaust, measured cold.

Valve clearance - INLET mm	0,30-0,40 cold
Valve clearance - EXHAUST mm	0,45-0,55 cold

Engine oil & fluids

Engine oil

The Mazda 121 1.8 (1995–1997) takes 4.5 litres of engine oil with the filter.

See the reference table for the complete engine oil entries and their conditions.

Manual gearbox

The manual gearbox has a listed capacity of 2.6 litres. The specified oil is SAE 75W-90.

Coolant

The listed total cooling-system capacity is 9.3 litres.

Grades, filling conditions and capacities

Lubricants and capacities — complete reference
Engine oil options
Ambient temperature range	➞30°C
Engine oil grade SAE	5W-40, 5W-50
Engine oil classification API/ACEA	CF/B3
Ambient temperature range	-20°C➞
Engine oil grade SAE	10W-30, 10W-40
Engine oil classification API/ACEA	CF/B3
Ambient temperature range	-10°C➞
Engine oil grade SAE	15W-40
Engine oil classification API/ACEA	CF/B3
Engine with filter(s) litres	4.5
Other lubricants and capacities
Manual transmission oil grade SAE	75W-90
Manual transmission litres	2.6
Cooling system - total capacity litres	9.3
Brake fluid Type	DOT 4
Power steering fluid Type	Dexron II

Brakes & wear limits

Brake disc thickness

Front brake discs on the Mazda 121 1.8 (1995–1997) are replaced at a minimum thickness of 8 mm (solid).

Minimum disc thickness for replacement - solid Front	8 mm
Maximum drum diameter for replacement Rear	181 mm ABS=204 mm

Brake disc and drum dimensions

Disc thickness variation Front	0,025 mm
Disc runout Front	0,10 mm
Minimum pad thickness Front	1,5 mm
Minimum shoe thickness Rear	1 mm
Parking brake travel No. of notches	6

Service & electrical

Glow plugs

Glow plugs for the Mazda 121 1.8 (1995–1997): Beru 666 MJ and Champion CH68.

Glow plug - part no. Beru	666 MJ
Glow plug - part no. Champion	CH68

Tuning and emissions

Adjusting method Engine/Pump	Special Tool/Special Tool
Idle speed rpm	850±50
Rated no load speed rpm	5350
Oil temperature °C	80
Idle speed - for smoke test rpm	800-900
Governed speed range - for smoke test rpm	5250-5420
Maximum time at governed speed secs	1,0
Test mode A/B	B
Probe type 1/2	1
Smoke opacity - EU limit m-1 (%)	2,50 (66)

Service checks and adjustments

Compression pressure bar	28-34
Oil pressure bar/rpm	1,5/2000

Tightening torques

Cylinder head bolt torque

The cylinder head bolts on the Mazda 121 1.8 (1995–1997) are tightened in 4 stages: 10 Nm, then 100 Nm, then 70 Nm, then a final 120°.

Cylinder head
Renew bolts	Yes
Tighten	10 Nm
Tighten	100 Nm
Wait	3 minutes
Individually slacken off	360°
Tighten	70 Nm
Tighten	120°

Other engine tightening torques
Cylinder head instructions	—
Main bearings Renew bolts/nuts	No
Main bearings Stage 1	27 Nm
Main bearings Stage 2	75°
Big end bearings Renew bolts/nuts	No
Big end bearings Stage 1	25 Nm
Big end bearings Stage 2	60°+20°
Oil pump to cylinder block	23 Nm
Sump bolts	11 Nm
Sump drain bolt	25 Nm
Flywheel/driveplate	18 Nm+45°+45°
Clutch pressure plate	30 Nm
Crankshaft pulley/damper centre bolt	—
Camshaft sprocket/gear	9 Nm
Camshaft carrier/cap	20 Nm
Camshaft/rocker cover	5 Nm
Inlet manifold to cylinder head	23 Nm
Exhaust manifold to cylinder head	24 Nm
Injector/clamp	70 Nm
Injector pipe unions	25 Nm
Fuel/injection pump sprocket/gear	23 Nm
Fuel/injection pump flange	24 Nm
Fuel/injection pump mounting	20 Nm
Glow plugs	28 Nm
Chassis tightening torques
Front hub	290 Nm
Rear hub	270 Nm
Steering track rod end	36 Nm
Brake caliper to carrier Front	30 Nm
Brake caliper/carrier to hub Front	58 Nm
ABS sensor Front	10 Nm
ABS sensor Rear	10 Nm
Road wheels	85 Nm

Air conditioning

No. of AC service connectors	2
Air conditioning restrictor type	Expansion valve
Compressor clutch/magnetic coupling	Yes
Compressor variable displacement solenoid	No
Air conditioning refrigerant Type	R134a
Air conditioning refrigerant quantity grams	740±10
Air conditioning oil group	PAG
Air conditioning oil quantity cm³	200

Frequently asked questions

What is the injection sequence of the Mazda 121 1.8?

The injection sequence for the Mazda 121 1.8 (1995–1997) is 1-3-4-2.

What glow plugs does the Mazda 121 1.8 use?

Glow plugs for the Mazda 121 1.8 (1995–1997): Beru 666 MJ and Champion CH68.

How much oil does the Mazda 121 1.8 take?

The Mazda 121 1.8 (1995–1997) takes 4.5 litres of engine oil with the filter. See the reference table for the complete engine oil entries and their conditions.

What are the valve clearances for the Mazda 121 1.8?

Valve clearances for the Mazda 121 1.8 (1995–1997) are 0,30-0,40 mm inlet and 0,45-0,55 mm exhaust, measured cold.

What is the cylinder head torque for the Mazda 121 1.8?

The cylinder head bolts on the Mazda 121 1.8 (1995–1997) are tightened in 4 stages: 10 Nm, then 100 Nm, then 70 Nm, then a final 120°.

What is the minimum brake disc thickness for the Mazda 121 1.8?

Front brake discs on the Mazda 121 1.8 (1995–1997) are replaced at a minimum thickness of 8 mm (solid).