Hi, Folks,

I'm getting ready to start working/rebuilding my dad's RX-7 in the next few weeks. I'm half excited, half scared about it since it's my first 'real' project. I posted a little bit about it in the 'Getting to know...' thread (pg. 16).

Sorry if this is a Noo-b-ish thread, but here goes...

This car hasn't been started in 9 years, can some of you give me an idea of what sort of things to consider before I get started? I checked in with my Dad and he tells me it doesn't start and that it doesn't move if pushed. He thinks the brakes might be stuck. I'm really not sure what kind of problems I'll be dealing with. There will be the maintenance type stuff, airfilter, fuel filter, plugs, oil +filter, and coolant are some obvious ones. What else? Replace battery or just charge it? That sort of stuff. I think the first step is to just get her running. lol.

I did read the article about decarbonizing. There was a lot, no, a TON of good information in there. It's what got me thinking about starting this thread. I did some searching in the FAQs but a lot of it is jibberish to me at this point. If you could point out any noteworthy threads for a car that's been sitting for a long time that would be awesome. I did a search but I couldn't get the right keywords to get any worthwhile results.

Thanks in advance for any information or direction.

Joel

 

There is answers to this in the 1st Gen Archive, just search, main thing is to drain all fuel, pump it out of the lines by disconnecting them at the carb, then replace fuel filter after pumping old gas out. Put MMO into carb and manually turn engine over several times via the bolt on front of eccentric shaft to lube internals. Do not be surpised if your carb needs a rebuild after that amount of time. Do a start and let it burn off the MMO, then replace fuel filter, oil, oil filter, plugs and battery.

Other regular replacements include the clutch master and slave cylinder, check brakes for leaks and change brake fluid. Be aware of vacuum leaks from the Rats Nest.

Two of my cars that had sat had the mesh on the lower part of the radiator completely gone, check the radiator thoroughly and watch you coolant for a while because it may just let go after getting hot.

 

Count on rebuilding your engine and spending twice as much money as you planed.

Welcome and good luck.