383Mazda

Hey Guys,

I was looking at a guys 86 rx7 for sale and he says the only problem is that after the car has been driven enough to get warm, it has problems starting. I know the small block chevys have similar problems cause the exhaust heats up the starter seliniod and it won't start unless it's cooled off.
Is this a common problem with the Rx7's also? Would a new starter fix this, or is this something else that is "unique" to the rotory engines?
Thanks guys!

skatingsamurai

well a new starter couldnt hurt by any means. just make sure you get a reman or a new one to make sure you get the fix if in fact this is the problem. also this might not a starter problem, could be a flooding issue " after the car has been driven enough to get warm, it has problems starting." sounds alot like flooding. ask the person if
"when the car is warmed up, does it crank? or just click and nothing happens?" becuase if its cranking but not starting, its likely flooding. in which case please follow the unflooding procedures.

http://www.rotaryresurrection.com/2n...nflooding.html

also, if you dont want to spend the money right off the bat, warm up the car shut it off, and if the problem persists bang on the solinoid with a hammer...no really, smack the **** out of it.

Craiger

iTrader: (1)

If the car won't crank when warm then it is probably a stickey starter solinoid, and hitting it with a hammer of blunt object should be enough to make it work untill you get around to replaceing the starter. You could also probably rebuild the solinoid by taking it apart and cleaning all the gunk build up out.

More than likely though, the "hot start issue" is due to low compression in the engine. The hot start issue is a common problem on rotary's that are mildly blown or nearing the end of their life. So a rebuild will probably be needed in the fairly near future.

Even if it's the normal "hot start issue," depending on price it might still be a good deal. Install an anti-flood switch to use on hot starts and might be able to drive it in it's current condition for a while before you need to do the rebuild. In fact, depending on why it is the way it is, it could actually improve a bit over time (this is possible, not probable). Just be aware, it could last a couple years like this or a couple miles; it's a bit of a time bomb but you can't see the timer.

383Mazda

The guy has "$2500 OBO" on the rear window... he said he just wants what he's got in it.... I figure if it's still there in a few weeks I'll offer him 2 grand. I'll also have a local shop check it out real quick to see about the flooding issue.
Thanks for the helps guys! And if my luck is real bad... how much would a rebuild cost? I really just want his car for his wheels, I'm going to swap his with mine and try to sell it again real quick...

Craiger

iTrader: (1)

If the motor is low compression and that's why it's not hot starting then the car isn't worth $2500. If it is a base model (easiest way to tell is if the wheels are 4 lug) then it's probably only worth 500-1000. If it is above a base model (5 lug) then it will be worth a little more, 1000-1500.

Since it's an '86 it's abviously an N/A so chances are if it's expirencing the hot start issue then the low compression is probably due to high miles. If this is the case, best to buy it with the intent of doing a rebuild or some kind of swap in the near future.

You will probably need all new seals inside it, all new springs, gasget kit, and you may need berings and housings too. Depending on what is re-usable and what isn't your probably looking at 1000-1500 in parts plus labour. http://www.atkinsrotary.com/index.php?pag=5 You'd probably need either kit B or C for what your looking at.

Keep in mind this is just a guess based on the limited information you have written here. Having someone that know what they are doing look at it in person will always be your best bet.

383Mazda

Yeah, That's the plan... but I'm going to school in Provo Utah, the car scene isn't too big around here, let alone I'm dealing with a rotory motor...
There are a few guys down the street who put the rotories into dune buggies... I'll see what they think and if they do rebuild for the rx7's... still not sure if I'll get it though