BogusFile

Haven't had an RX in years now, and I am only really familiar with 2nd gens. Picked up a 1980 RX7 and have a few questions. I did the ghetto compression test where you take of the leading spark plug and manually rotate the motor. Compression sounds good and even, but the rear rotor spewed out brownish milky fluid. My guess is that the coolant o-ring is caput, but the car has been sitting for 4 years and I was wondering if it is common for fuel to gather in the rotor housing while sitting for extended periods of time. The fluid reeks of gas so I'm hoping that it may have just leaked some fuel down the intake while sitting(holley carb/racing beat intake). Haven't started it BTW. Assuming the motor is bad.

The other issue is rust. It has minimal rust in the storage bin area and floor boards. Probably won't have to do any serious repair there..... the rocker panels are another story. The passenger side has nearly dissentigrated, and the driver sides not to far off. Doesn't seem to be encroaching any load bearing structures, and the frame looks clean. Does anyone make after market replacements, or am I going to have to fab em. I'll try to get some pictures up shortly. Got the car for 400$... so I can't really complain.

BogusFile

bump

Rogue_Wulff

Engine could have filled with fuel, if the carb has issues and the fuel tank vent is plugged. If there is fuel inside the rotor housing(s), it will be in the oil pan as well. I wouldn't hold out much hope for the engine to be worth investing much money into, without a rebuild.

As for the rocker panels, I don't know of any readily available replacements, short of finding a donor car to cut them from.

BogusFile

Much obliged.... I'll just keep my fingers crossed.

trochoid

iTrader: (6)

Brow/tan milky fluid ususally means a coolant/oil mix, check the dipstick. Rocker panel can be make by a good tiiner or body shop.

BogusFile

The dipstick is pure oil.... but the water in the radiator overflow tank has some oily residue in it, but it's clear.

wecycle

Since the oil looks good why not pull the pugs and spinn the engine over to remove remaining fluid.
put in fresh plugs and see it it fires up.
Then follow normal diagnostic procedures to resolve whatever issues are evident.
If possible runn a full tank of fuel with a can of seafoam in it before you come to any conclusions on the need for a rebuild.
Dennis

neumann4086

Embracing wecycles response, that should be a good idea. Although If the engine smokes like a burning haystack for many minutes after its running even after adding seafoam, then the rotor seals need to be replaced and wouldn't doubt that their is coolant being sloshed in with your gas and oil. I know when I start up my '80 when it sits over the winter it smokes like a chimney, but then clears up. I am almost positive that you can get replacement body panels from Black Gragon Automotive. Go online and request a free catalog. If you order any thing you will keep getting free catalogs.