Hello - My name is Kevin and I recent bought a 1983 RX7 for my daughter to use for getting to school etc. I have a couple of issues here that I am hoping the experts on this forum can assist me with. I have attached a link to detailed pictures of the issues. I am a newbie to the RX7 world but not new to auto restoration and piston engine work. But this is my first RX7 and want to obtain some advice before I proceed any further.

http://www.horsemanfamily.com/IMAGES...rb_Issues.html

1) I have severe vacuum leaks at the carb base plate. I removed the carb, (at this point I think I am going to go ahead and take it and have it rebuilt) and then installed new gaskets both under the baseplate/intake and between carb and base plate. Still have severe vacuum leaks. Upon closer inspection I noticed that the sealant that holds the vacuum lines in the plastic base plate are pitted/cracked and in some areas just plain gone. Can I buy a new base plate from somewhere or can I fix this one? I haven't a clue where to find this part. Please see all "Carb Base Plate" pictures I've attached.

2) The previous owner had some vacuum lines just plugged off. Please see picture "Vacuum Lines 3 and 4" Passenger side of carb. The one long long vacuum hose with the valve on it just doesn't look like it is hooked up correctly. Can someone please let me know there is something wrong here? You will also see 2 lines at the base of the carb plugged off.

3) I need to replace the cables as they are frayed and in pretty poor shape. In the picture you can see where I numbered the cables. Can anyone tell me where is the best place to order them from and what their proper name is? I ggogle it and seem to come up empty.

I appreciate any and all input.

Kind Regards,

Kevin Horseman
Email Addresses for direct contact:
kevin@horsemanfamily.com
kevin.horseman@unisys.com

 

Welcome!

First recommendation will be the go thru the FAQ, and download the PDF versions of the Factory Service Manual (FSM), Carb Repair manual (gold!), and even the parts fiche, as all these sources are superior to the Chilton/Petersen books with regard to detail.

From there, there are a number of archived threads that speak about proper carb hookup and the "rats nest" which is slang for the vacuum tubing and solenoid array found on top of the engine. Again, a bounty of good word.

I'd also recommend, personally, going thru the FAQ section at www.mazdatrix.com, as they have a wealth of information about what does and doesn't work, and very good parts pictures.

Good luck with your project. Prepare for a learning experience - - rotaries are sorta unique.

 

Kevin,

Just for starters, that carb baseplate has been tampered with by someone. The gaskets on the top and bottom of the carb plate are supposed to be permanent gaskets, meaning they shouldn't be scraped off. I realize that you can buy baseplate gaskets, and they even provide them in the carb rebuild kits, but I've always encountered trouble when I scrape the old ones off. I just don't think they are meant to be replaced. My guess would be that someone has scraped or sanded the gaskets off, and now you are left with an uneven surface, thus the vacuum leaks.

If I were you I would post a "Want to Buy" ad in the 1st generation parts for sale section. Tell them you need a "Black phenolic carb spacer". You should be able to pick one up for $15-20. They are a dime a dozen. Get a good one that hasn't been cracked, broken, or had the gaskets removed.

Also, I don't know if you have emissions regulations in TX or not, but if I were you I would remove all that emissions crap. Do some searching on "Rat's nest removal". It really simplifies the car, because we all know that it is a nightmare to work on in its stock configuration.

Good luck!
Jamie

 

All -

Thank you very much for the assistance. I will look for a new plate for the carb. I will also review all the documents that were mentioned. I do appreciate the help. As far as emissions, due to the cars age, it is exempt from emissions testing. I checked on that before I bought it because I knew that would really slow me down.

Thank Again!
Kevin

 

Any luck finding the carb spacer kevinhorseman?