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Costly Repair

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Old 02-16-04, 05:58 PM
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Costly Repair

2 years ago the radiator in my 93 rx7 had a small puncture from previous front end damage that was never revealed to me when I bought it. It was not a problem until after 2 years when it overheated and both the water pump and radiator gave out. Took it to the dealer I bought it from and after $2200 the problem was solved...so i thought. Since the repair, I only put 8000 miles on it. I threw it on a flatbed and towed it to Los Angeles from Boston. Once in L.A. I drove it around, only putting 500 miles total and then it happened...the dreaded engine light came on. It overheated and died on the highway. Took it to my local machanic and was told to buy a new core. I'm thinking the hoses were never replaced after the 1st incident. Could it be the dealer's fault?
Any suggestions as to a good repair shop in L.A. area?
Old 02-16-04, 06:35 PM
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bee
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I have a good suggestion, never take your car to the dealer. 2200 for a Radiator and Water Pump. You got raped. You could have done that yourself in about 3 or 4 hours. You could have even gotten a real radiator and spent less than 1k total, including new hoses. Buy a FSM and go at it. As for the motor, dont go to the dealer. Dont go to a normal mechanic either, go to a Rotary Specialist.
Old 02-16-04, 06:40 PM
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Your motor may be toast. Ovewrheating kills the o-rings and possibly warps the housings and forces you get a rebuild($2500-5000). Ask me how I know...
Old 02-16-04, 06:44 PM
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Yea thanks...know that now. Still hurts a little when I sit. Any way..know any good rotary specialists in so cal area?
Old 02-16-04, 06:46 PM
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jpandes...i'm asking
and where did you get yours fixed
Old 02-16-04, 06:58 PM
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JoeyJoeD1,

Ask in the Regional forums:

https://www.rx7club.com/a-31/

I'm sure someone in your area wouldn't mind taking a look at your car or at least recommending a decent local shop.
Old 02-16-04, 07:01 PM
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go to jeff at Rotary power. my car is there for a rebuild right now. he is in gardena about 20 minutes from LA.
Old 02-16-04, 07:03 PM
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Rotary Reliability and Racing is a good Rotary shop in Southern Ca.

http://www.rotaryracing.com/rot_home.htm
Old 02-16-04, 07:19 PM
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Thanks guys
Old 02-16-04, 08:11 PM
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I bought a Mazda Reman from Malloy Mazda in Virginia and had it shipped to Pineapple Racing in Oregon to be torn down and ported along with upgrading the coolant seals and stage 2 oil mods. The I had it shipped to C2 Auto in Oakland for installation.

If I had to do it all over I would have just gone to Rick's in Pleasanton and let him do the whole thing at his shop. >>>Removal, teardown, porting, reinstallation and PFC tuning etc...
It would have been faster and possibly cheaper. The big benefit is if something goes wrong(knock on wood) with the motor, I can hold him responsible and have him fix it.

If I were you, I'd find a GOOD rotory speed shop that is local to you and have them to the whole job. Make sure you do some solid research on the shop. Search the west forum then call or visit each shop...


Good luck. It won't be cheap($4500-8500)
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