03protege

Hello,

Im looking to purchase an 82 rx7 and it appears to be a great deal but needs one major overhaul, which is the entire fuel system. Here's the story, It has a brand new reman engine (12a) from mazda with about 2k miles. This car at some time or another has sat up for time and apparently has a rusty fuel tank. I inspected the car at a shop and the shop owner(who does not own the car) gave me some back ground on the vehicle and told me it is in need of a new fuel system.

My concerns:

He told me at one point that the fuel filter was filled with rust, could this have done the engine harm?

The vehicle owner took the car to mazda to have the carb replaced/rebuilt and the shop owner says that the carb "just pours fuel into the engine" does that sound right?

If yall dont think this seems like a major issue i could source most of the needed parts from a local junkyard and have the car on the road for a very cheap price.


Any advice, or comments will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Ryan

rxtasy3

iTrader: (2)

the tank probably just needs a good cleaning out, along with the entire fuel system. the filter did it's job in keeping most of that out of the engine/carb. but quite possible some got by if more got in than it can contain, get a new one and add a second one at the carb. i'm using one of those clear glass ones with the replaceable filter. if worse comes to worse, u can keep the engine, part the car out, and find another body that needs an engine.

installer67

iTrader: (18)

If the engine was rebuilt by mazda, you should be good there. The tank can be cleaned and sealed, or replaced pretty cheaply. Even without a filter, (which I'm sure it has) only particles small enough to go through the jets in the carb would make it to the engine. Add filters as suggested, clean or replace tank, blow out "hard" lines and replace "soft sections" if they are old. Rebuild the Nikki carb, it's easy/cheap and then you know it's good. Hook it all up and off you go. Also if you can, habe the motor compression tested, that will ease your mind and insure the motor is ok.

trochoid

iTrader: (6)

Everyone has you covered quite well. I need to chime in to impress the need for having the tank sealed/refurbished. Once it starts producing rust like what you found in your filter, it never stops. Most radiator shops can boil out fuel tanks. Some will do the resealing or even sell the product. I do that myself, it's an easy DIY. Last tank I sealed I used a product called Red-Coat, quite pleased with it. Runs about 60+/gal but 1 qt. is enough for a tank.

03protege

Thanks for the help everyone. Everything seems to be covered but i want to ask about the fuel pump. While I can get a junkyard one for next to nothing, in case its not worth a crap, do you think this situation would have had ill effects on it?

Also, where can I order new soft lines from?

Thanks for the help everyone.

installer67

iTrader: (18)

the filter should have kept most of the deris out, but hard to say how long it's been sitting with rusty fuel inside. If your staying with a basically stock motor, just foot for a new "replacement" pump. They are relatively cheap to get. If you plan on eventually making power upgrades to the motor, I'd just go ahead and get a new pump and fuel pressure regulator, then your set either way. If money is REALLY tight, try the junkyards, but keep in mind it could be no better than the one you have. These cars aren't exactly new.
Any auto parts place should have fuel line by the foot, just cut it to fit. it's cheap.

Kentetsu

Sounds like they screwed up the carb rebuild (just pouring gas into the engine). You can probably troubleshoot that with Sterling's help. You can ask him specific questions in his forum at www.sterlingmetalworks.com/bymc

Then, I would suggest upgrading the fuel pump since it probably needs replacement anyway. Here is a writeup I put together on upgrading to a Carter fuel pump and Holley pressure regulator. Plan to spend about $100.00 for this. https://www.rx7club.com//showthread.php?t=529605


Good luck!



.

Jeezus

iTrader: (4)

Get some chains and throw them in the fuel tank when you drop it. Get some diesel fuel in
there and slosh it around for a few minutes and let it sit for an hour or so. Do this a few times
for about 3 days and you will have most of the rust out. Another option is to ask a radiator
shop if they will do work on tanks. Some won't, some will.

The filter was full of rust because that is what it does best, filter out the bad from the good.

The reason your carb keeps pouring fuel is because your needles are stuck open.

Here is a checklist for you:

1. Drop tank and look inside, if you see/feel rust, prepare to get it cleaned out. Either with
some chains and diesel, or have a shop recondition it.

2. Replace the rubber lines going to/from the tank. Add a (new obviously) filter before the
pump. This will save the pump from harmful debris.

3. Before hooking the pump to the hard fuel lines, blow into the line from the engine bay.
Any/all junk will sludge out. It should blow relatively easy if there are no restrictions.

4. Tap on the carb top to try to unstick the needles. If they are still stuck, get a rebuild kit.
Usually about $40-50 from a local auto store. It would be a good idea to rebuild it anyways.


PS: I own an 02 Protege, and an 82 RX7

rxtasy3

iTrader: (2)

there's probably trash(rust particles) in the needle and seat. i still say it's best to just tear it apart and clean it.

trochoid

iTrader: (6)

The chain in the tank is an interesting idea an will work, for 1/2 the tank. The dividing baffle in the tank will prevent the chain from reaching the rh side of the tank.

03protege

Thanks everyone for your help!

Going by my experiences on various other boards I'm pretty blown away by the level of expertise and willingness to help others here.

Now I just need to find a junkyard to come pickup the old family van and I can start turning wrenches

Thanks again,
Ryan

trochoid

iTrader: (6)

We're a pretty decent bunch of rotorheads. Be sure to read through the FAQS and download a copy of the online FSM. And out of kindness I'll post sig for the newbs.
.
.
.
.
.
.