I have a 85 RX7 12a engine. Just replaced the flywheel and clutch (complete). Bolted everything back up and now the engine won't turn over. I thought it was the starter, replaced it, but still the engine won't turn. I can take a large screw driver in the inspection hole at the bottom of the transmission and turn the engine, however it is not easy. Please forward any troubleshooting tips.

Thanks in advance.

 

Still need some advice............some trouble shooting????

 

Did you try with transmission in neutral and try with the clutch in? Just to be clear, everything worked correctly before putting in the clutch/flywheel? Did you use an alignment tool when putting the clutch in? What all did you replace (pilot bearing, throwout bearing, etc.)? Sounds like something is binding.

When turning the enigine over, it is easiest to use the 19mm (3/4") bolt on the front of the engine (main pulley). Don't force it if things aren't turning easy, though.

 

Thanks for the reply. Yes, it is no different if the clutch is depressed or not. Everything was replaced (pilot bearing, throw out bearing, clutch disc, and pressure plate) It does turn, (not with the starter) and I tried push starting with no luck. Maybe the clutch disc is in backwards..........don't know.

 

Sounds like its binding to me too

 

Same thing happened to me 3-RX's ago.
Did the same as you, everthing new.
Sometimes when you go to re-install our Trannies they will bind up in the Pilot Bearing area. You need to pull it back out slightly and turn the Flywheel about an inch and restab the trannie to the engine.
The input shaft teeth are not linning up with the Clutch Disc.
Keep doing it until it slides into place with NO Force.
That should free it up.
Now when I have to Remove and Re-install the Trannie I do it with the Engine Attached.

Makes it alot easier.
sgieldon
steve

 

Thanks for the reply. Dropped the transmission again, put it back together. Same problem. What could be causing it to bind up?????

 

was already asked but you didnt say did you use the clutch tool to align the clutch up with everything.

 

Yes, the alignment tool was used.

 

When you restabbed the Trannie did it Mate with the engine with no gap?
Or did you end up with about a 1/4-1/2" gap and use the Bolts to get it Mate?
If so then you do not have the Trannie Shaft Spline lined up right to go threw the Clutch Disc Groves.
The Trannie should go in smoothly with No Gap.
sgieldon
steve

 

Okay, now this mechanic is telling me it is the "stationary gear bearing" may have moved forward and is causing it to bind..............They got it started, however it doesn't turn freely (can tell there is some friction) What do you "engine builders" think??????

 

You might need to adjust the slave cylinder. It may not be releasing all of the way.

 

I doubt it. They are pressed in and shouldn't move at all (especially since the engine wasn't opened up). Did you try turning the engine over when the tranny was out? That could help tell if it is an engine problem or a clutch/tranny problem. I assume everything was good with this engine before the flywheel/clutch job. Is that correct?

 

that is correct. He is stating that when they pulled the flywheel off "something shifted". They had to replace the flywheel. I am wondering if they mistakenly put on a flywheel for a 13b on my 12a engine. Would a 13b flywheel go on a 12a engine???

I normally do all repairs, I thought I would be aggravation ahead if I got someone else to do it............I feel that I am being taken for a ride.

 

Any of the rotary flywheels will bolt up. Most would spin, but cause an imbalance. A TII flywheel would probably catch on something, though. So a shop did all of this work? I was under the impression that you had done it.

What was wrong with the old flywheel? Personlly, I have never seen one go bad. Usually only pulled to rebuild engine, resurface when doing a clutch job, or replaced for a lightweight version.

Are they using a stock flywheel? New? Used? Any pics of the flywheel or numbers off it to make sure they don't have something totally wrong on there? Perhaps the tranny input shaft is bent?

 

no, the shop did most of the work. They claimed the old flywheel had "hot spots" (although I thought it was okay) I don't have any reason to believe it is bent............but what do I know at the point. I am baffled to say the least. I am going to go listen to it. If it starts, I am thinking of driving it home, however they are saying I could scratch the crankshaft.............They are stating that the bearing isn't getting any lubrication.....................I am thinking.....what has changed?

 

Crankshaft?

 

Is this a rotory shop? Sounds like it since they knew about "stationary gear bearings". Sounds like they are also wanting to get an engine rebuild/replacement out of you. Now it is possible for a stat gear bearing to seize and causing all sorts of problems (bearing usually welds itself to the e-shaft). Search for "spun bearing". Usually occurs when starved for oil and more often when the engine is fresh with new bearings (tight tolerances).

There are some pics of damage from a spun bearing here:
http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/damage.htm

Edit: Also, why are they starting the engine if they know things aren't right? Are they trying to do more damage?

 

I don't know...............I think they are guessing. They may not want to admit that they did something wrong in the clutch installation.

 

There is no reason for the stationary gear bearing to shift unless someone removed it. Hot spots on a flywheel can usually be taken out during resurfacing, as long as there aren't heat stress cracks. Rarely ever need replaced. I suspect you were right early on and had the disc in backwards.

Did anyone try turning the engine over by hand with the flywheel off. That will quickly answer the bearing question. If the engine is binding with the flywheel off, the damage is already done. The stationary gear will need to be removed and the bearing inspected for shifting and galling.

Is this a rotary shop or do they have credible rotary experience?

 

I agree with you. Okay. I need help.

In addition, the also replaced the flywheel. Remember they initally said my starter was bad after the clutch replacement. Today they tell me that the only starter to engage is one off of a 13b engine. THey said the gear on the starter is too big and since the gear on a 13b starter is smaller...........they said it worked.

So I asked them, is it possible that they installed the wrong flywheel? Of course they said no................but I told them, if the

What differientiates as 12a flywheel from a 13b flywheel. What numbers are on a 12a flywheel???

Bottom line, it appears that the flywheel when bolted up, is binding against the rear main seal housing and the bearing.

I am contending that it is the wrong flywheel...........but I don't know the differences between the two.

Yes, this guy has worked on rotary engines...........he has lots of parts..............but he seems to specialize in 3rd gen cars and not the 1st gen.

I NEED ANY HELP I CAN GET. He is suppose to drop the tranny tomorrow and I will see for myself..............my gut is saying it is the wrong flywheel. sorry for my ramblings...............

Thanks in advance.

 

This will help identify the flywheel that is in the car if it is factory flywheel.

http://www.mazdatrix.com/faq/flywheel.htm

I am not positive but I think putting in a 13b flywheel will only cause an inbalance in your rotating assy and would not cause a binding issue. The starter may not work as well. Do like mentioned above, remove the flywheel and crank the motor over by hand. If the motor cranks over nice and easy then it is the flywheel/clutch assy. If if doesnt' then it is probably in your rear stat gear bearing. If your car was running fine prior to this clutch job then I don't see how the bearing could have been affected unless someone messed with it?