I wish my odometer worked consistently to give me that type of information! So, I finally completed my fan swap project and put it back together this past weekend. Quite proud of myself actually, after a decade of not doing much work on the car. It only took 3-4 months of planning (aka staring, thinking, cursing, and procrastinating) and 2 months of actual "work", one part or area at a time. Didn't spill too much antifreeze when removing the big hose before pulling out the fan shroud - probably spilled more when re-installing it actually, not expecting any MORE to come gushing out. I had made wiring harnesses so I didn't have to cut any original parts. Put in all back together and the fans are spinning! Quite ferociously actually, being newer RX-8 fans.

I fired it up yesterday for the first time since June and brought it up to temperature. So far, no leaks from that big hose to radiator interface. However, I do smell something burning. Hopefully, it's not oil? It smells almost electrical, so maybe it's from the new fan motors warming up and working for the first time. It also smells like leaves so could it be from all the leaves that blew up into my car from the landscaping crew? No fires though. I really hope I didn't overheat the car when one of the fans seized in June. I will be firing it up again this weekend and will eventually take it out for some short jaunts. Heck, if it holds up, I might be able to take it out for a meet. Maybe in a couple of weeks? Well, I hope every one is well.

Oh, while working on the car, three neighbors told me I had the best looking car in the neighborhood. And the UPS driver was super excited to see someone working on the car and that it will run again soon. He knew of two other FD's in my area that just sit there, collecting dust.

 

Dang....this thread is on life support. Anyone still around?

My FD died last night. Luckily, it's just the battery. It needed a new battery, I forgot about it because it was running fairly well and then I added a dashcam that really killed it. Broke down on a really bad part of the Prince William Parkway with no shoulder too, right between an off-ramp and the on-ramp to 95 south. It was sketchy until VDOT randomly showed up. Really thought a car trying to merge was going to plow it while I watched on the side because it's dark and the hazards were barely flashing. Time to buy some LED emergency road flares!

The tow truck driver jumped the car and had me drive up the flat bed - with blinding lights in my face! When I stopped early because I didn't want to smash the back of the cabin, he looked incredulous. So I had to move forward another 2 feet - while on a 30-degree incline with blinding lights in my face, and not too much or I'd hit the cabin. lol Even the cop who had stopped laughed that he would make me do that and said he himself would have stalled numerous times. Anyways, it made it back safely. But it was touch and go with a lot of popping, stalling, backfiring, and driving with no headlights down an off-ramp for about 15 minutes! It could have been a lot worse. I was in stop-and-go traffic only 10 minutes before it started fizzing out.

Anything I need to worry about after I get a new battery? Flooded, fouled spark plugs maybe?

How about a Fall Cruise? Anyone? I need a Spelunker's burger....

 

Hey Zoolander,

I haven't been on the forums as much lately, my rx7 has been running well . I wouldn't assume it was the battery. If the car started and drove out of the garage then died mid drive it wouldn't lead to a battery issue. I would think its an alternator charge issue/connectivity problem. The alt should be able to keep the car happy once running unless your battery connections are not fully secured. Do you have a voltage readout?

Am 100% down for a fall cruise or to assist in troubleshooting the issue. PM me, im located out in Haymarket but come in to Falls Church often.

 

Sorry to hear that, but a car dying while driving sounds more of an Alternator problem and not Battery. Battery only plays a part if you can't start the car, but running a car is an alternator's job. Any low or dead battery can at least maintain a charge and supply steady electrical current to the car... I would make sure you get over 13.5 volts when car is running to make sure it's working. With healthy battery being 12.6 or so volts after sitting for a bit with the engine not running!

 

Thanks for the quick responses, Michael and Vlad. I'll put in a new battery, as it was way overdue, and will check the alternator!

Yup, my FD had been running great up also, until Monday that is, which also means I haven't been on here much either. Maybe everyone's RX-7 is running great these days? Once I get it back fully operational, let's see if we can at least get a small group together for some RX-7 camaraderie as it's way overdue.

Hey Vlad, a long long time ago, you spoke to me about a rear diffuser. I forget if you had one to sell or you were asking about a group buy. Still got one to sell? Didn't look like it from your inventory of pics (holy crap, you have a lot of parts!).

-Duc

 

I'm still alive, following to see if anything comes together.

Did you order an alternator yet Duc?

 

The new battery is measuring around 12V, as is the alternator. But it does dip down when I turn on the fans and power up the dashcam, to about 11 - and it fluctuates quite a bit too. And a burnt electrical smell seems to be emanating from it. Will check it again tomorrow.

About to email Ray now. I just re-did the fans earlier this year too, so had everything out. Uggghh. I guess I need the practice. Should I order anything else along with the alternator? Maybe a new belt?

This is what I get for getting the car detailed and ready for some cool weather driving just 2 weeks ago. Such as owning an FD.

Thanks for the assist fellas!

 

Zoolander,

Not sure why this is still a question. The alternator should put voltage well above 13.5, if not its dead. Get a DC power alternator and you'll never have to worry about it again. That's what I did. 14.7 volts all day hot or cold.

 

You know, wishful thinking. Denial. Lack of electrical knowledge.

You mean this thing?

https://www.dcpowerinc.com/products/...md_rx7~le_1-3l

 

Yes, you might as well get a belt while you're at it.

 

@Zoolander Yes that's the one. Pricey but worth it. I used to go through parts shop alternators every few months but I've had this one for a few years now and no issues to report.