A couple of weeks ago I opened up my engine and posted pics,,,, I got bad news from you guys because my housings were badly scored, and you all gave me great advise, but the news was disappointing,,, so I left the engine alone. Today a first gen flew past me, that motivated me again, I know that I will have to get new rotors housings I was wondering besides that what else you guys think I need, to get my baby running. I took my rotors apart today. Everything seemed intact. I bought the car with the motor out so I have no history on it just that it was losing compression..

The side seals and spring came out in one piece, along with the apex seals and springs, cornerseals and springs
Apex seals where just a little bit over a 1/4" ( please see pics) the tops were rounded and the rest looked squqare and sat snug, moved freely up and down. No chips missing and the second piece was the same no chips and sat fine.
Side seals fit snug and moved in and out on the side seal springs nicely the side seals measured a little over an 1/8 "
corner seals also sat snug but the black insert were a litttle disformed on the part facing forward but fine inthe rear..
So I was wondering besides the housings being bad can I reuse these parts... I hope so...... I know it hard to tell but what I am telling you but your help would be greatly appreciated...
Thanks and Peace
Jose L Cruz

 

Spec the apex seals, 0-1" micrometer, compare to the limit and the new spec. For me, if they are less than 1/2 worn, replace them if you want a long lasting motor. Side seals should be good. Replace ALL springs. Since you have no history on the motor, overheating can weaken them. I'm sure an economy builder will disagree with this.

Replace the corner seals. It's cheaper to go with the solid ones and you won't need the plugs, use 3rd gen corner seal springs.

Don't forget to spec the gaps with the apex and side seals installed.

Buy the Rotary Aviation rebuild vid. It's for a 2nd gen motor, but there is very little difference between the 2 engines, except the front cover o-ring, follow the FSM for that.

 

ok what about the oil rings and spring, how should I go about determining if they are usable or not ?

 

imho,
If I were in the situation that you find yourself in, I would be asking the same questions. With no idea of your past rotory rebuilding experiance I would think that it would be worth have a builder put together your short block at least. The extra you spend would probably be well worth it. Then you can still install all the other stuff and drop it in the car yourself.

 

I here you man,, Completely understand,, But man I have owned 9 1st gen Rx7's always babied all of them so I never had any serious mechanical problems,,,, It's well past due that i get my hands dirty....

 

The shiny lip on the oil control seals should not exceed 0.5mm

you have pics of worned out v.s. almost new under ROTARY TECH on www.rx7club.com.ar

 

ok oil rings are in great shape, thanks

 

Replace the oil control o-rings.

 

previous post said .5mm, that's .0197in. if u don't have a set of 0-1" micrometers, get some. that's the ONLY way to determine what can be reused. how many miles is on it? chances are u'll need to replace all the metal seals and springs.

 

Ok after speaking to you guys I have decide there is only one way to do this, The right way I have decided to buy the following
Overhaul Gasket Kit
Apex Seal Springs
Corner Seal Plugs
Corner Seal Springs
Side Seal Springs
Oil O Ring Vitons
Front Main Seal
Rear Main Seal
Pilot Bearing and Seal
Hylomar Sealant
as long as everything else is within specks .....
Hows that sound...
Atkins sells this set up for 260 smackaroos
but I still need to buy to rotor Housings


Thanks you all for your time and knowledge!!!!!
Peace Out
Jose Cruz

 

So far so good. Let us know how the specing comes out.