New to First Gens, but not 7s... few questions.
02-08-06, 07:26 PM
#1
truespin, not tirespin
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New to First Gens, but not 7s... few questions.
I have been a rotary guy for a couple of years, and this is my second foray into the RX-7 owners market.
I have an 85 GS 5-speed with about 116k on it. It has a few minor issues, but nothing major.
First off, it runs a good deal hotter on the highway than in normal driving. Normal driving, it runs about where the choke shuts off, sometimes cooler, sometimes warmer. On the highway, it runs just shy of the temperature marker in the middle of the temp guage, sometimes even eclipsing the marker a bit. Why is this? (highway speed = 70-80mph, which is 3500-4000rpm in 5th)
Second, there is a type of ticking coming from the shifter. It's not all the time, or load related. It seems to be vehicle movement reliant. It is the worst in reverse or just after being in reverse. It may from the shifter tower or thereabouts. My guess is something with the front u-joint, but I'm not dead certain on that. Any ideas?
The cigarette lighter, for some reason, won't charge my cell phone correctly. The cell phone charger, when plugged in, lights up (its got an LED) and at first it did charge my phone, at least my phone said it was charging. However, the charge was sketchy, and not long after my phone simply died, and the charger refused to let it turn on. I thought it may have been the charger itself, but I tested it in another vehicle and it works fine. I'll be hard-wiring the charger into my system to see if its something specific to the lighter circuit or if it's something affecting my entire car. What in the world does this sound like it could be? (I had my radar detector hooked in before, and it was sketchy too... lights were dim, may/may not have worked correctly)
Other than that, I am curious as to ways specific to this car to increase fuel economy. I am planning on removing the cats from the exhaust, likely for straight pipe. I'll probably put on a different muffler too, not sure about that yet. I really like the sound of a virtually uncorked rotary. My FC had no cats, and just two stainless glasspack-style mufflers on it, and sounded amazing. I know this won't sound like that, it'll be a lot rougher, but that is what I want. The rough, untamed rotary growl/buzz.
I suppose that will do me for now. Thanks fellas.
I have an 85 GS 5-speed with about 116k on it. It has a few minor issues, but nothing major.
First off, it runs a good deal hotter on the highway than in normal driving. Normal driving, it runs about where the choke shuts off, sometimes cooler, sometimes warmer. On the highway, it runs just shy of the temperature marker in the middle of the temp guage, sometimes even eclipsing the marker a bit. Why is this? (highway speed = 70-80mph, which is 3500-4000rpm in 5th)
Second, there is a type of ticking coming from the shifter. It's not all the time, or load related. It seems to be vehicle movement reliant. It is the worst in reverse or just after being in reverse. It may from the shifter tower or thereabouts. My guess is something with the front u-joint, but I'm not dead certain on that. Any ideas?
The cigarette lighter, for some reason, won't charge my cell phone correctly. The cell phone charger, when plugged in, lights up (its got an LED) and at first it did charge my phone, at least my phone said it was charging. However, the charge was sketchy, and not long after my phone simply died, and the charger refused to let it turn on. I thought it may have been the charger itself, but I tested it in another vehicle and it works fine. I'll be hard-wiring the charger into my system to see if its something specific to the lighter circuit or if it's something affecting my entire car. What in the world does this sound like it could be? (I had my radar detector hooked in before, and it was sketchy too... lights were dim, may/may not have worked correctly)
Other than that, I am curious as to ways specific to this car to increase fuel economy. I am planning on removing the cats from the exhaust, likely for straight pipe. I'll probably put on a different muffler too, not sure about that yet. I really like the sound of a virtually uncorked rotary. My FC had no cats, and just two stainless glasspack-style mufflers on it, and sounded amazing. I know this won't sound like that, it'll be a lot rougher, but that is what I want. The rough, untamed rotary growl/buzz.
I suppose that will do me for now. Thanks fellas.
02-08-06, 09:36 PM
#2
Originally Posted by truespin88
I have been a rotary guy for a couple of years, and this is my second foray into the RX-7 owners market.
I have an 85 GS 5-speed with about 116k on it. It has a few minor issues, but nothing major.
First off, it runs a good deal hotter on the highway than in normal driving. Normal driving, it runs about where the choke shuts off, sometimes cooler, sometimes warmer. On the highway, it runs just shy of the temperature marker in the middle of the temp guage, sometimes even eclipsing the marker a bit. Why is this? (highway speed = 70-80mph, which is 3500-4000rpm in 5th)
Second, there is a type of ticking coming from the shifter. It's not all the time, or load related. It seems to be vehicle movement reliant. It is the worst in reverse or just after being in reverse. It may from the shifter tower or thereabouts. My guess is something with the front u-joint, but I'm not dead certain on that. Any ideas?
The cigarette lighter, for some reason, won't charge my cell phone correctly. The cell phone charger, when plugged in, lights up (its got an LED) and at first it did charge my phone, at least my phone said it was charging. However, the charge was sketchy, and not long after my phone simply died, and the charger refused to let it turn on. I thought it may have been the charger itself, but I tested it in another vehicle and it works fine. I'll be hard-wiring the charger into my system to see if its something specific to the lighter circuit or if it's something affecting my entire car. What in the world does this sound like it could be? (I had my radar detector hooked in before, and it was sketchy too... lights were dim, may/may not have worked correctly)
Other than that, I am curious as to ways specific to this car to increase fuel economy. I am planning on removing the cats from the exhaust, likely for straight pipe. I'll probably put on a different muffler too, not sure about that yet. I really like the sound of a virtually uncorked rotary. My FC had no cats, and just two stainless glasspack-style mufflers on it, and sounded amazing. I know this won't sound like that, it'll be a lot rougher, but that is what I want. The rough, untamed rotary growl/buzz.
I suppose that will do me for now. Thanks fellas.
I have an 85 GS 5-speed with about 116k on it. It has a few minor issues, but nothing major.
First off, it runs a good deal hotter on the highway than in normal driving. Normal driving, it runs about where the choke shuts off, sometimes cooler, sometimes warmer. On the highway, it runs just shy of the temperature marker in the middle of the temp guage, sometimes even eclipsing the marker a bit. Why is this? (highway speed = 70-80mph, which is 3500-4000rpm in 5th)
Second, there is a type of ticking coming from the shifter. It's not all the time, or load related. It seems to be vehicle movement reliant. It is the worst in reverse or just after being in reverse. It may from the shifter tower or thereabouts. My guess is something with the front u-joint, but I'm not dead certain on that. Any ideas?
The cigarette lighter, for some reason, won't charge my cell phone correctly. The cell phone charger, when plugged in, lights up (its got an LED) and at first it did charge my phone, at least my phone said it was charging. However, the charge was sketchy, and not long after my phone simply died, and the charger refused to let it turn on. I thought it may have been the charger itself, but I tested it in another vehicle and it works fine. I'll be hard-wiring the charger into my system to see if its something specific to the lighter circuit or if it's something affecting my entire car. What in the world does this sound like it could be? (I had my radar detector hooked in before, and it was sketchy too... lights were dim, may/may not have worked correctly)
Other than that, I am curious as to ways specific to this car to increase fuel economy. I am planning on removing the cats from the exhaust, likely for straight pipe. I'll probably put on a different muffler too, not sure about that yet. I really like the sound of a virtually uncorked rotary. My FC had no cats, and just two stainless glasspack-style mufflers on it, and sounded amazing. I know this won't sound like that, it'll be a lot rougher, but that is what I want. The rough, untamed rotary growl/buzz.
I suppose that will do me for now. Thanks fellas.
I can't help you too much on the cigarette lighter,but the running hot issue may be as simple as a bad or going bad thermostat,and or water pump.I would replace them if you have any question about their age,or condition.They are really easy to replace,and should not cost a lot of money.While you are at it you should flush the coolant,and fill it with some nice fresh stuff.
As far as the clicking noise from the shifter area.It could very well be a bad u-joint.I had a wierd squeeking noise from what I thought was my tranny,but after swapping it out for a known good unit the squeek was still there.It truned out I had a bad u-joint,so I just replaced the driveshaft with a low mile one from a parts car.
Good luck,and keep us posted on your results.Oh yeah,and wear ear protection while driving those uncorked rotaries.
Chris
79 GS
83 LE
74 RE/PU
92 Cummins diesel
02-09-06, 03:37 AM
#3
hot temp at speed? maybe the fan clutch is seized. Its designed to only rev to about 3500rpm, even if the engine revs higher. If its seized and matches engine speed, it may not allow enough air to pass thru the rad. With the engine OFF, see how freely it rotates by hand. Should be stuff resistance but should turn....
When was the last time the rad was pulled and professionally cleaned?? every 3 yrs man. Distilled H20 and 50/50 coolant too-
Have you ever heard an un-muffled rotary? We are talking permanent hearing loss here! :p
1st gens (at least) just sound painful and ugly with minimal mufflers - all metallic and, ugh!
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska
When was the last time the rad was pulled and professionally cleaned?? every 3 yrs man. Distilled H20 and 50/50 coolant too-
Have you ever heard an un-muffled rotary? We are talking permanent hearing loss here! :p
1st gens (at least) just sound painful and ugly with minimal mufflers - all metallic and, ugh!
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska
02-09-06, 08:02 AM
#4
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Ok first off, I am guessing you only drive during the day. It is possible that maybe your alternator is only putting out enough juice to power the car, say 10 volts the rest is supplied by the battery. WHen you lighten the electrical load it recharges. The things you are describing are exactly what my old celica did....I called it the ghost car, because it had a phantom electrical problem. I tested the alternator, everthing turn up sniffing clean. The volts light would come on whenever it wanted, and for short bursts at a time. Heck I even drove at night! It drove me crazy for about 6 months......Well I finally did break down, and replace the alternator with a new one, out of pure desperation, and sure enough..........The car WORKED PERFECT.........Solved alot of issues, like surging guages, non working accesory, lack of power........
As for the heat issue, remember just about every electrical system in it, shares with each other so to speak.........Im not an expert, but I did completey rewire my FB from the ground up! I still got the wiring harnesses if anyone needs one! I spent alot of time studying the wire shematics. I was shocked how interconnected the mazda system really is.
I agree with the previous post........YE OLDE SAYING STANDS..............
WHEN IN DOUBT.....SWAP IT OUT!
The fan clutch sounds culprit to me, I would yank it off, and replace it with a "Push" e-fan mounted in front forcing air passed the radiator into the engine bay. Plus you will gain some extra HP, out of the deal, and some valuable peace of mind.
AS for the exhaust.....I gotta agree....My 81 was straight pipes with two glass pack style mufflers........and well I sold it last year, and my ears are still ringing, and the cops LOVED ME!
As for the mystery ticking, if you have access to a hydro lift. Put that beast on it and check under the carriage. Sometimes things get rusted loose, or just vibrated loose, and it could be as simple as a ebrake cable rubbing against the driveshaft. Or it could be a piece of foriegn material, such as a weed, stick, chunk of wood etc.......
As for the heat issue, remember just about every electrical system in it, shares with each other so to speak.........Im not an expert, but I did completey rewire my FB from the ground up! I still got the wiring harnesses if anyone needs one! I spent alot of time studying the wire shematics. I was shocked how interconnected the mazda system really is.
I agree with the previous post........YE OLDE SAYING STANDS..............
WHEN IN DOUBT.....SWAP IT OUT!
The fan clutch sounds culprit to me, I would yank it off, and replace it with a "Push" e-fan mounted in front forcing air passed the radiator into the engine bay. Plus you will gain some extra HP, out of the deal, and some valuable peace of mind.
AS for the exhaust.....I gotta agree....My 81 was straight pipes with two glass pack style mufflers........and well I sold it last year, and my ears are still ringing, and the cops LOVED ME!
As for the mystery ticking, if you have access to a hydro lift. Put that beast on it and check under the carriage. Sometimes things get rusted loose, or just vibrated loose, and it could be as simple as a ebrake cable rubbing against the driveshaft. Or it could be a piece of foriegn material, such as a weed, stick, chunk of wood etc.......
02-09-06, 09:20 AM
#5
I would check to see if the thermostat is working as stated above. But it is cheap and easy to replace, so why not? Also you may want to check the ground wire on your cigarette lighter. And find somewhere that can load test your alternator.... If you arent to far from Springfield I could do that for you, for free of course. You may just want to go ahead and do an S4/S5 alternator swap, even if it is just your DD. The noise from your shifter, I am almost positive that is a U-joint...
Actually, if thats all you have going on. Let me know I can do it here at my shop, for free. Unless you want to do it yourself. I am located in Springfield Ohio, if your interested.
Hope this helps,
Chris
Actually, if thats all you have going on. Let me know I can do it here at my shop, for free. Unless you want to do it yourself. I am located in Springfield Ohio, if your interested.
Hope this helps,
Chris
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