I looked at a 93 R1 yesterday and black smoke was coming from the engine. It wasn't a lot and the owner said it was normal. Said it was normal for an RX-7 rotary to do this, especially after spirited test-driving, which we did. Also, the oil pressure gauge was reading "0" or zero at idle, but then it picked up while driving and there was vibration in the brakes under hard braking, but I think it just needs new rotors. So can you guys help me in deciding whether or not to go for this car?

Thanks,

Ant

 

When you say coming from the engine, do you mean out the exhaust? No, I don't think that is normal. Black smoke is usually fuel, so the car may be running overly rich. Might have an injector O-ring bad (happened to a friend). Did the car backfire at all? It's normal to have some whitish smoke (oil) when you first start the car, but it goes away.

 

The oil pressure reading 0 is probably just a bad sending unit. I'm sure it isn't actually at 0 pressure.

If it vibrates under hard braking (the pedal, or the steering wheel, or just jolting the car?), it's usually the rotors. In fact, it could just vibrate under soft braking, and still be the rotors. Replacement Brembo blanks are like $60/ea, but it would be a good idea to replace your pads at the same time, or you may score your new rotors.

I wouldn't be able to say what the black smoke from the engine (like under the hood?) would be.. But I can tell you that it defintely isn't normal.

 

It's coming from the engine, not the exhaust. From the left part of the engine. It isn't a lot like I said before, but it's burning from somewhere none the less. This guy wants $12k for this thing with 100k miles on'er. All original, no mods, faded paint (all good points in my opinion) but that stupid smoke. The rest of the car is next to flawless. The interior? Wow sums it up. The smoke is the only thing that's got me at a loss. Unfortunately, I don't know too much about these cars yet to pass judgement on this smoke matter, or whether or not it's worth what he's asking. What do you think it's worth? What's this light, black smoke? I need your help guys.

Much appreciative,

Ant

 

smoke...possibly a leak on the oil filter or spillage that would cause some smoke if the car was hot (the spirited driving note)

take the car in and have its compression checked. you may find that even if the car is a good price that the motor is beat.

also..the smoke could be from the turbos..if they were leaking bad enough..and they do at that kind of milage...then they can drip on the dp and such and burn like crazy. beware engine fires.

I do think you should be careful when you buy a third gen. at milage like that you may be in for turbo replacement (3-5k for new cuz rebuilds just dont hold up), engine rebuild (the ways of the rotary lol), clutch, injectors...you name it....all in all could easily be over 10 grand in reparis over the course of the next year.

it took me a year to find mine after driving quite a few (including toadmans gorgeous car I should have bought).

dont buy the first thing you see..you will be in over your head. do more research.


jason

 

Thanks guys. Please keep it coming.

 

NO its not a good buy. He's leaking oil from somewhere as metioned above could be many things, rear seal, turbo's, oil fill, oil metering lines, sloppy oil filling etc....Look for a rebuilt motor and some upgrades for reliability and hp spend a little more now to save alot later. I have seen some good deals from 15 to 18k recently. Mostly don't ever buy from someone who tells you its normal for his cars engine to smoke who knows what else he considers normal.

 

What if I could get it for $10k instead of $12k? Would it be worth it then?

 

He said it's burning black smoke. That wouldn't be oil. I used to leak oil from my turbos, it was white smoke. Do what this site recommends:

http://rx7.voodoobox.net/infofaq/bguide3g/bguide3g.html

good luck!

 

a rx in need of motor and turbos will run 5-8k. (most fd's with that milage need both done) look at it that way...if you need to do a lot of work to it , have the extra money in the bank. get the car checked out..if it checks out ok (compression) then it may be worth it..but if one of the seals is leaking..or if you need a set of turbos then yikes!

I dont think you realize how expensive these cars are to own. Ive spent twenty grand in two years. most have spent at least 3-5k a year in normal repairs I would guess...and most have either done the motor and turbos or will be shortly. ...not to mention the difficulty finding a good shop in some areas.

find a good one ok? youll be doing yourself, your girlfriend, and your pocketbook a favor by not wasting the cash. lol

j

 

I hear ya, I hear ya...what price sounds about right for this car?

 

I'd pay no more than 10k.

 

I wouldnt buy it.

find one with fifty k or less and be a happy man instead of a broke one.

 

Must be burning plastic