1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

What To Do?

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Old 06-20-07, 06:21 PM
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Question What To Do?

I've recently aquired an 85 RX-7, my first Mazda and my first rotary engine.
The car has been sitting under a car cover for 5 years, besides a crunched left front corner the body is in fine shape. However knowing nothing about rotary engines I'm not too sure what to do about the engine that hasn't run in nearly 4 years. Any suggestions?
Old 06-20-07, 06:48 PM
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Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary

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Originally Posted by KartRacer
I've recently aquired an 85 RX-7, my first Mazda and my first rotary engine.
The car has been sitting under a car cover for 5 years, besides a crunched left front corner the body is in fine shape. However knowing nothing about rotary engines I'm not too sure what to do about the engine that hasn't run in nearly 4 years. Any suggestions?
Hey welcome to the forum. If its been sitting that long probably some thgings are going to have to be done. Check out the faq page for "end of all no start thread" thats in there. All the info about no start is in there. If I were you I would change engine oil, fuel filter, get new gas(pull tank down, empty old gas), fuel pump, spark plugs, air filter, battery, etc. That thread will cover everything though, if it don't start. Check it out, also check the archives at the top of the page and the search button should be one of your best friends at the top right. Hope everything works out. Other people will tell you great info. God bless

Trochoid will say something and check out the fsm link in his sig. Great stuff.
Old 06-20-07, 06:56 PM
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Old Fart Young at Heart

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Welcome to the forum and the Darkside. Btw, you don't need to shout, we can hear just fine, lol.

In the FAQs at the beginning of the 1st gen forum is a thread on 'How to Bring Your RX7 Back to Life'. That should get you started. In my sig line is a link to the online FSMs, carb manual etc.
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Old 06-20-07, 07:55 PM
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What To Do?

Yelling? No, just standing up and being heard. I actually went through the FAQ before I posted and didn't see what I was looking for, but thanks for steering me the right way. My biggest concern is not knowing the rotary engine. In the four cycle engine if it was sitting for some time I'd add oil, kerosene, or transmission fluid down the spark plug holes and let it sit for a couple of days then try and turn it over then change the fluids and go from there. Do I need to do anything like this?
Old 06-20-07, 08:23 PM
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premix, for f's sake

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i think trochoid is commenting on your use of bold letters

have you tried to turn it over by hand yet, you may get lucky and it may not be locked. when i bought my '79 that sat for 4 years unmoved, and my '86 i recently picked up that hadnt ran for 6, both motors turned over by hand, then i decided what the hell why not see if it fires up, and both cranked just fine and actually started on the old gas that was still left in the tank (smells terrible by the way)

but yeah, what trochoid said, check the FAQ's, they'll point you in the right direction of how to bring'em back to life
Old 06-20-07, 08:35 PM
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Well, have a seat and speak softly, it's much easier to read in plain type if you want help. Rotary engine intimidate many people simply due to lack of knowledge. They are still a 4-cycle internal combustion engine. They go round and instead of up and down. They are also an extremely simple engine.

Rotarys do tend to have more carbon problems than pistons do, so try some Seafoam down the carb, rotate it by hand to spread it throughout the housings and let it set for a couple of days. Be sure to clean the plugs before starting.
Old 06-20-07, 08:45 PM
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Rotary Enthusiast

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Change the fuel lines and filters before anything.






-Nick-
Old 06-21-07, 02:02 PM
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Ok, how's this.
I grabbed the fan and it doesn't wanna move.
I guess I'll try the ATF. What is seafoam?
Old 06-21-07, 02:12 PM
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GOT WANKEL?

 
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Try turning the crank pulley instead. If it doesnt turn, then resort to using ATF(automatic tranny fluid) or seafoam (a decarbonizer found at many auto parts stores)




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