I am trying to get an 84 GSL-SE running again. I just got it from an owner, who let it sit for about 7 years. I have started the ATF treatment based and other stuff to do that I read here:

Bringing a RX7 back to life:
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...postid=2385473

and

Decarbonizing A Rotary
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...hreadid=281207

My question is, how hard should it be to turn the main pulley? I started with the ATF 4 days ago. I've put it in 2, sometimes 3 times in a day, but the pulley is still pretty hard to turn. I just barely can turn it with both hands and all I've got, with a wrench on a bolt for the fan it turns fairly easily. Should I continue with the ATF, or should I clean it our and give starting it a try?

Thanks!
-nate

 

I would hook up a fresh battery and bump the starter a few times. Why did the previous owner stop driving it?

 

He told me they stopped driving it when they got a new car. I am hoping this is the case, and there wasn't anything else wrong. So far it just seems to be rust damaged.

 

Can you rotate the engine 3 full turns? Are you putting the ATF in the intake?

If you are not doing the intake, I would suggest taking it off entirely. That way you can get a better spread of the ATF and while you are in there you can send out the injectors and take out the 6th port sleeves. If the engine has sat that long and is that hard to turn over, both likely need attention.

 

ATF is a bit harsh....

MMO might have been a better choice...

 

I can rotate the engine pretty easily, if I use a wrench, I don't think my arms could take doing it with my hands. Its a strain to go 1/4turn by hand. I have only put the ATF in the spark plugs.

I didn't notice in either of those posts anything about MMO being better than ATF, not that I'd have a clue...just didn't see it...

Perhaps I should just let the ATF continue to do its work for a couple more days? I don't want to rush it and trash the engine...

How long would it take to off the intake and do as you suggested?

thanks,
-n

 

Depends on your skills. Get the FSM online, get a Haynes, and study.

If you have the plugs out, the engine should turn over by hand reasonably easy.

Since the car has set as long as it has, you are going to have to change ALL fluids in the car, should flush the fuel tank and lines, replace all filters, and probably replace the fuel pump.

 

Don't fix what ain't broken. As long as your getting the mmo/atf in the engine and rotating it, You should be good to go. Get the engine running first, Then decide whether or not you need to do anything.

 

I changed the oil, coolant flushed and replaced, fuel drained, new fuel filter is in. replaced rotor. distributor cap, and wires...got two sets of plugs...I was just waiting for the ATF to loosen it up...

Like I said, I can turn it, but not that easy with my bare hands. I guess its ready then?

 

Give it a go, If it's moving there's hope for you yet.

 

Put some gloves on... the Nascar ones with little grippies all over it.

 

Ah, I see you were tricked into using ATF. I'm sorry.

 

Tricked?? I don't get it, thats what the FAQ here on this forum said to use...what would have been better? Is this just a debate between members as to what to use??

-n

PS - Yeah, I was wearing gloves...by bare hands I just meant no tools...

 

I'd imagine if you can turn it over with a smallish wrench on the main pully then you should be ok... crank it with the starter and no plugs (or wires) a few times to try and puke that ATF out into the exhaust and then try and fire it up.

it's prolly gonna cough it's guts out for a while since it sounds like you've loaded it up with ATF -- that's ok, it should clear up...you'll prolly ruin the plugs tho so have another set handy.


ATF was the common suggestion, but it seems that Marvel Mystery Oil has become the soylent green of the RX-7 world lately -- which I totally understand, I regularly buy advance auto out of the stuff since I pre-mix with it.

--matt

 

Just wanted to tell everyone that helped out THANKS!! I got the car running tonight. There was an alarm installed, and one of its switches had rusted out...took awhile to figure out what was wrong after doing all the stuff to get the car ready to start.

Thanks again,
-nate

 

^ awesome! glad to hear there is another rotary back on the road!!!!!!!!!!

as far as the atf mmo argument....well just search, cause it doesn't need to be started again

although, ill tell ya right now, dont let the engine soak in atf very long, please dont, it will ruin some seals

keep us updated on how shes runnin, and welcome to the club! I hope you become an active member!