1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Need Help RX-7 been sitting for years

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Old 09-12-09, 11:23 PM
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SC Need Help RX-7 been sitting for years

My family had an RX-7 when I was in college that I drove quite frequently.
When I was almost done with College the RX-7 became mine. I had an absolute ball with it and cranked over 136,000 miles on it. It was in pristine shape but then it stayed outside for a long time detoriarting my weatherstrips and I even got some mold inside it. The only thing wrong with it was the oil pressure gauge stopped working. I think its just bad wiring or a sensor because I drove it on several trips and I had no issues. After College I really got into Corvettes and I now have a 90 ZR-1 93 LT1 and a 2001 C5 as a daily driver.

I have always wanted to rebuild my 85 S 12A RX-7. So basically it has been sitting in a warehouse until that day comes. I have not done alot of the things I should have that I regularly do on my Corvettes such as Stabil in the gas tank, fresh fluid changes oil, brake, radiator etc. It was started a few years ago, ran alittle rough on choke but it ran.

I want to do a few things to it so its not totally wrecked, if its not already.

Drain and refill gas tank and add Stabil and possibly some Marvel Mystery oil or 2 cycle gas for lubrication of seals and since my oil sensor gauge is faulty. I have no catalytic converters as I have headers and no cats.

Drain Radiator and replace with fresh fluid.

Change oil - what is the recommened factor is it 10W -30? I only run the Mobil 1 in the Corvettes but I know synthetic is a no no although it seems now guys run the synthetic.

Obviously there are other things such as brake fluid etc, but those are the first 3 things on my list.

I then want to crank over the motor. I know its bad for rotaries to sit on account of the apex seals. Granted rotary engines go a long time, I'll probably need a rebuild anyway down the road. Howver what are the chances of my engine being shot from sitting. I've heard of some guys spraying WD-40 to get unstuck rotors.
Also some guys swear by MSO or something like that, that can get rotors loose? I don't think they are stuck but they could be.

How would you crank over a rotary that has not been started in years?

This car is about 1 hour away from me which is why I can't start it regulary. Is there a way to sort of fog the motor so it won't get damaged when it sits for a long time. If I get it running, I think I can get down there at least once a month to run it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated it. Perhaps this week I'll post some photos of it.
Old 09-12-09, 11:55 PM
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that's MMO and u already know about it(marvel mystery oil). auto trans fluid is also used to free up seals from sitting. the engine can be turned over with the starter, or by hand. if ur in sc and not fl, what part?
Old 09-13-09, 04:40 AM
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My Archive on storage:
https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showthread.php?t=586025

MMO is not a lubricant, but a cleaner, so maybe mix it 50/50 with motor oil, add the mixture of, say, 8oz into each chamber via carb mouth - then DRY CRANK the engine (ie disconnect ignition, fuel) a few times.

If rotors are stuck you could try some MMO -only and let it sit a few days. But, again, you'll want to add some oil in there to actually crank it.

Lot of positive things said here about SEAFOAM additive as cleaner and de-carbon-izer for rotors. Could be used instead of MMO. I use seafoam regularly now via gas mix (every few months)

Cooling Sys:
I would PULL rad and pro flush at rad shop. Mineral/sludge build up could be pretty grim. Be a shame to cook motor due to clogged up rad.

'Luck
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska
Old 09-15-09, 09:38 PM
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Thanks for everybodies help.

Once I had a good battery, she cranked over on 2nd crank - I gave her one shot of ether.

She ran great, only problem is my carborator is an issue, I think that my accelerator pump is shot. I'll go see if I can dig up some posts on how to fix that.

Here is a post of the car while getting its fluids changed.

Old 09-15-09, 10:52 PM
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good to hear. Looks to be in nice shape to me. My car sat for a few years outside. Has shot window seals. leaks somewhere. when I got her she had a new engine, broken U-joints and bad cooling system. Replaced driveline, thermistat, radiator, and clutch fan. runs good still kinda ugly with 10 differnt colors and some minor rust
Old 09-17-09, 12:17 PM
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Originally Posted by jinxed4dub
good to hear. Looks to be in nice shape to me. My car sat for a few years outside. Has shot window seals. leaks somewhere. when I got her she had a new engine, broken U-joints and bad cooling system. Replaced driveline, thermistat, radiator, and clutch fan. runs good still kinda ugly with 10 differnt colors and some minor rust
I fogged the engine yesterday and put a cover on her in the warehouse.

Oil PSI not showing up, looked at the sensor and wire is plugged in.

How do I fix it? Do I need a new unit? how much? I tried search but didn't see it anywhere.

Thanks.
Old 09-17-09, 03:07 PM
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