Hey guys, my 83 is dead. The water is geting in the engine and burning out the pipes. It's really bad, the poor car is done. Yea, I know, something is busted, like the head gasket, but it doesn't have a head. Any suggestions??? Help.

 

You lost your coolant seal between your one of your rotor housings... you need to rebuild it to fix tghe problem. rebuild kits run anywhere from $400-$900 pending whats in the kit, and where you get it from.

 

I've heard that when you have a coolant leak (dowel pin leak), usually the rotor housings will need to be replaced as well, considerably raising the cost of rebuilding. Someone correct me on this if I'm wrong...

 

Unless your intake manifold gasket has failed (allowing coolant to enter the combustion chambers--- doesn't happen very often) you'll need a teardown.
The problem is that quite often the reason for the water jacket o-ring failure is because the engine had been overheated at one time or another causing the rotor housings to warp. (Since the water jacket seals on first gens are depressed into grooves cut into the perimeter of these housings, a warped housing will compromise the seal).
If you have the tools and the time, tear down the engine, clean all components, and then check for warpage. (after confirming that there isn't a n intake manifold gasket failure, which is a much easier, quicker, and cheaper fix).
If housings are warped it will be cheaper to just buy a rebuilt engine from a reputeable rebuild facility (your best bang AND best price would be from a place in Calgary, Alberta, Canada called RX7 specialties (403)246-6980. Cost is + or - $2000 plus shipping. Open Mon- Fri 9am to 5pm).
If money is tight (or if you don't plan on owning your car beyond the next couple of years anyway) you should be able to pick up a good used one from a wrecker for a few hundred less than the cost of a rebuild kit for the one you have.
BTW, installing the engine yourself will save you upwards of $800 and take a day or two at most, even if it's your first try (assuming you have basic tools and a rented cherry-picker, and at least some mechanical experience). If you make less than $25 per hour at your day job this would be like paying yourself about $50 to $80 per hour.
If you do consider buying a used one from a wrecker and need more info on what to look for (and look out for), pm me.

 

dowell pin leak = oil leak, and therfore has nothing to do with needing a new rotor housing

 

Well, I knew it was bad. Don't think I really want to spend a grand on this car, although I am really curious to tear down this motor. I have been inside alot of motors, but never a Wankel(?). Some how I see this car sitting in a junkyard soon, the wife wants in out of the driveway.What a shame!! Thanks for your help guys.

 

i got a 12a with decent miles for 300$

keep looking in the fs/ft section
you can change the engien out in a day or two
its pretty easy really

 

If the rest of the car is in reasonably good shape it would be a shame to see it end up in a junk yard.
I'd either swap in a used engine and then sell it, or sell it as is for a few hundred--- anything but give it away for scrap.

 

I also have a 12a for sale.... Check out the thread.

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...hreadid=242932