2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.
Sponsored by:

KD Found Stock Detonation Problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-09-02, 09:41 AM
  #1  
Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary
Tenured Member 20 Years
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
Turbonut's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: NJ
Posts: 3,979
Received 58 Likes on 48 Posts
KD Found Stock Detonation Problem

As I had asked for some help a few months ago, thought I'd post the findings. Thanks to everyone that replied.
Here's the scoup-
'89TII I purchased new encountered periodic detonation under a load. Idle was perfect and car would accelerate without a problem to 80/90 MPH as long as it wasn't WOT. Everything I checked appeared normal. Fuel pressure, all electrical, exhaust etc. Took it to KD and initially, everything checked out ok. Compression was a little low, but equal throughout. Finally when taking another compression test, probably the 3rd or 4th time, a sticking apex seal reared it's ugly head. This was a tough one to find, because it didn't stick all the time.
As the car has 156,000 miles, excellent condition, I've elected to install a new engine rather than try to loosen up the seal, which would probably give me some more time.
Got to thank Dave for all the help. Great guy to deal with.
Old 07-09-02, 09:58 AM
  #2  
Just Call Me Terminator!

iTrader: (4)
 
vosko's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: NJ
Posts: 7,848
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
congrats sort of
Old 07-09-02, 10:09 AM
  #3  
knowledge junkie

 
vaughnc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 5,595
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 4 Posts
So under full WOT the seal would leak out compression causing the car to run lean?

New motor ? - why not just do a rebuild on the current one.
Old 07-09-02, 10:36 AM
  #4  
Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary
Tenured Member 20 Years
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
Turbonut's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: NJ
Posts: 3,979
Received 58 Likes on 48 Posts
The spark would go past the seal into the next chamber causing detonation.

If the engine is apart & rotor housings are needed, they're about (don't quote me) $400 each. '89 TII engine from Mazda $1800 plus shipping to KD $60 + return shipping for core $60. At lot less aggrevation plus starting with "new" components.
If I were doing it myself, I'd pull the motor apart and check what was needed and probably rebuild it. Being older and not wanting to get involved with pulling the engine etc. thought this best way to go.
I had my share of rebuilding/racing piston engines years ago. Thought I'd never have anyone do an overhaul on my motors, but as you grow older, you become a little more lazy.
Old 07-09-02, 11:25 AM
  #5  
SCCA Rookie

 
Barwick's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Sterling Heights, MI
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
hmm.. that's interesting.. maybe the ATF trick could be on a "regular" maintenance schedule
Old 07-09-02, 11:37 AM
  #6  
Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary
Tenured Member 20 Years
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
Turbonut's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: NJ
Posts: 3,979
Received 58 Likes on 48 Posts
Actually a combination of ATF for lubrication and kerosene to desolve deposits was the order. Let sit a day and then turn 1/3 each day.
Old 07-09-02, 01:49 PM
  #7  
Moderator
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (3)
 
j9fd3s's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
Posts: 31,145
Received 2,799 Likes on 1,981 Posts
you should pull the old motor apart, i bet you would find an apex seal the was cracked in the middle, ususally they will break a corner off, or shatter. sometimes you will see one that just splits in the middle. the car will run ok, not great just ok, and it might have the symptoms you describe.

mike
Old 07-09-02, 02:03 PM
  #8  
Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary
Tenured Member 20 Years
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
Turbonut's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: NJ
Posts: 3,979
Received 58 Likes on 48 Posts
Mike:

I also would like to see what the problem was. If the car was at my garage, and as I said earlier, a little more energenic, I would like to investigate.

Don
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
trickster
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
25
07-01-23 04:40 PM
Th0m4s
Build Threads
25
02-26-19 02:04 AM
Queppa
New Member RX-7 Technical
8
09-02-18 09:53 AM
alphawolff
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
17
11-17-15 05:57 PM



Quick Reply: KD Found Stock Detonation Problem



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:20 PM.