Mazda1987–1989Technical specifications

323 1.3: Technical specifications

Workshop data for the 1.3-litre petrol (engine code E3). Covers engine, fluids, brakes, service and torques: the figures to check before a job or a parts order.

Summary

Match the engine code (E3) to the vehicle before ordering parts or applying these figures.

Vehicle specifications

Overview

Make: Mazda
Model: 323
Years: 1987–1989
Fuel: Petrol
Engine code: E3

Performance & efficiency

Power: 50 kW (68 hp)
Engine size: 1,296 cc
Cylinders: 4 · OHC
Compression ratio: 9.2:1
Fuel system: Aisan

Fluids & capacities

Engine oil (with the filter): 3.3 litres

All 119 specifications below

Engine & identification

Vehicle identification

No. of cylinders Type	4/OHC
Capacity (Fiscal) cc	1296 (1285)
Compression ratio :1	9,2
Suitable for unleaded petrol	Yes
Minimum octane rating RON	91
Ignition system Type	HEI
Ignition system Description	Trans-i
Trigger location	Distributor
Fuel system Make	Aisan
Fuel system Type	26-30
Fuel system Description	Carb-2V
Diagnostic socket	No

Ignition system

Ignition coil supply voltage + with ballast V	11,0
Primary resistance Ohm	1,0-1,3
Secondary resistance Ohm	6000-30000
Distributor (ECM) Make	Hitachi

Firing order

The firing order for the Mazda 323 1.3 (1987–1989) is 1-3-4-2.

Firing order	1-3-4-2

Valve clearances

Valve clearances for the Mazda 323 1.3 (1987–1989) are 0,25 mm inlet and 0,30 mm exhaust, measured hot.

Valve clearance - INLET mm	0,25 hot
Valve clearance - EXHAUST mm	0,30 hot

Engine oil & fluids

Engine oil

The Mazda 323 1.3 (1987–1989) takes 3.3 litres of engine oil with the filter.

A listed engine oil option is SAE 5W-30 for cold climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2.

A listed engine oil option is SAE 10W-30 for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2.

A listed engine oil option is SAE 10W-40 as an alternative for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2.

A listed engine oil option is SAE 20W-40 for hot climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2.

Manual gearbox

The manual gearbox has a listed capacity of 3.2 litres. The specified oil is SAE 80W-90.

Coolant

The total cooling-system capacity entries are 5.0 litres without a stated condition; 6.0 litres for AT.

Grades, filling conditions and capacities

Lubricants and capacities — complete reference
Engine oil options
Ambient temperature range	Cold climate
Engine oil grade SAE	5W-30
Engine oil classification API/ACEA	SJ/A2
Ambient temperature range	Moderate climate
Engine oil grade SAE	10W-30
Engine oil classification API/ACEA	SJ/A2
Ambient temperature range	Moderate climate alternative
Engine oil grade SAE	10W-40
Engine oil classification API/ACEA	SJ/A2
Ambient temperature range	Hot climate
Engine oil grade SAE	20W-40
Engine oil classification API/ACEA	SJ/A2
Engine with filter(s) litres	3.3
Other lubricants and capacities
Manual transmission oil grade SAE	80W-90
Manual transmission litres	3.2
Automatic transmission fluid Type	Dexron II
Automatic transmission (dry fill) litres	5.7
Cooling system - total capacity litres	5,0 AT=6,0

Brakes & wear limits

Brake disc thickness

Brake discs on the Mazda 323 1.3 (1987–1989) are replaced at a minimum thickness of 16 mm (ventilated) front and 8 mm rear.

Minimum disc thickness for replacement - ventilated Front	16 mm
Minimum disc thickness for replacement Rear	8 mm
Maximum drum diameter for replacement Rear	201 mm

Brake disc and drum dimensions

Disc runout Front	0,10 mm
Minimum pad thickness Front	1 mm
Minimum shoe thickness Rear	1 mm
Parking brake travel No. of notches	7-11

Service & electrical

Ignition timing

Basic ignition timing for the Mazda 323 1.3 (1987–1989) is 4°±1° BTDC at 850 rpm.

Ignition timing	Without vacuum
Ignition timing - basic BTDC °Engine/rpm	4±1/850
Ignition timing - alternative °Engine/rpm	AT=4±1/950

Battery

The Mazda 323 1.3 (1987–1989) uses a 12 V, 35 Ah battery (reserve capacity 55 minutes).

Battery V/RC(Ah)	12/55 (35)

Spark plugs

The Mazda 323 1.3 (1987–1989) uses NGK BPR5E-VG spark plugs with a 0,8 mm electrode gap.

Spark plugs Original equipment	NGK
Spark plug Type	BPR5E-VG
Electrode gap mm	0,8
Spark plugs Make	Autolite
Spark plug Type	64
Electrode gap mm	0,8
Spark plugs Make	Beru
Spark plug Type	14R-8DU
Electrode gap mm	0,8
Spark plugs Make	Bosch
Spark plug Type	WR8DC
Electrode gap mm	0,8
Spark plugs Make	Champion
Spark plug Type	RN9YC
Electrode gap mm	0,6
Spark plugs Make	NGK
Spark plug Type	BPR5E-VG
Electrode gap mm	0,8

Tuning and emissions

Ignition advance	Without vacuum and basic timing
Ignition advance checks °Engine/rpm	0-1/1300
Ignition advance checks °Engine/rpm	10/2500
Ignition advance checks °Engine/rpm	26/6000
Vacuum check	Ignition timing advances
Vacuum range °Engine	22 AT=12
Vacuum starts mbar	160/160
Vacuum ends mbar	480/333
Idle speed rpm	850±50
Idle speed - alternative rpm	AT=950±50
Oil temperature °C	60
CO level at idle speed - tailpipe Vol. % CO	1,5-2,5
HC level at idle speed ppm	300
CO2 level at idle speed Vol. % CO2	13-16
O2 level at idle speed Vol. % O2	0,5-2,0

Starting and charging

Starter motor Make	Mitsubishi
Starter motor Type	0,8 kW
Minimum starting voltage V	11,5
Maximum cranking amps A	95-116
Alternator Make	Mitsubishi
Alternator output A/V/rpm	60/13,5/3000
Regulated voltage V	14,1-14,7

Service checks and adjustments

Compression pressure bar	8,5-12,0
Oil pressure bar/rpm	3,4-4,4/3000
Radiator cap bar	0,75-1,05
Thermostat opens °C	82
Drive belt size - alternator mm	9,5x960
Drive belt tension - alternator/PAS/AC mm	13-14

Fuel system

Fuel pump delivery pressure bar	0,2-0,3

Tightening torques

Cylinder head bolt torque

The cylinder head bolts on the Mazda 323 1.3 (1987–1989) are tightened in 3 stages: 35 Nm, then 60 Nm, then a final 85-91 Nm.

Cylinder head
Renew bolts	No
Tighten	35 Nm
Tighten	60 Nm
Tighten	85-91 Nm

Other engine tightening torques
Cylinder head instructions	—
Main bearings Renew bolts/nuts	No
Main bearings Stage 1	27 Nm
Main bearings Stage 2	65-70 Nm
Big end bearings Renew bolts/nuts	No
Big end bearings Stage 1	15 Nm
Big end bearings Stage 2	29-34 Nm
Oil pump to cylinder block	20-25 Nm
Sump bolts	10 Nm
Sump drain bolt	30-40 Nm
Flywheel/driveplate	88-94 Nm
Clutch pressure plate	18-26 Nm
Crankshaft pulley/damper centre bolt	107-118 Nm
Camshaft sprocket/gear	69-78 Nm
Camshaft/rocker cover	2-3 Nm
Inlet manifold to cylinder head	20-30 Nm
Exhaust manifold to cylinder head	15-25 Nm
Spark plugs	14-23 Nm
Chassis tightening torques
Front hub	157-235 Nm
Steering track rod end	29-44 Nm
Brake caliper/carrier to hub Front	—
Brake caliper carrier to hub
Road wheels	90-120 Nm

Frequently asked questions

What is the firing order of the Mazda 323 1.3?

The firing order for the Mazda 323 1.3 (1987–1989) is 1-3-4-2.

What spark plugs does the Mazda 323 1.3 use?

The Mazda 323 1.3 (1987–1989) uses NGK BPR5E-VG spark plugs with a 0,8 mm electrode gap.

How much oil does the Mazda 323 1.3 take?

The Mazda 323 1.3 (1987–1989) takes 3.3 litres of engine oil with the filter. A listed engine oil option is SAE 5W-30 for cold climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2. A listed engine oil option is SAE 10W-30 for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2. A listed engine oil option is SAE 10W-40 as an alternative for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2. A listed engine oil option is SAE 20W-40 for hot climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2.

What are the valve clearances for the Mazda 323 1.3?

Valve clearances for the Mazda 323 1.3 (1987–1989) are 0,25 mm inlet and 0,30 mm exhaust, measured hot.

What is the cylinder head torque for the Mazda 323 1.3?

The cylinder head bolts on the Mazda 323 1.3 (1987–1989) are tightened in 3 stages: 35 Nm, then 60 Nm, then a final 85-91 Nm.

What is the ignition timing for the Mazda 323 1.3?

Basic ignition timing for the Mazda 323 1.3 (1987–1989) is 4°±1° BTDC at 850 rpm.