I have an '83 RX7 with about 125k on it. The engine was replaced with a new crated mazda engine about 12 years ago and the new engine only has about 15k on it. The car wasn't run for a couple of years (it couldn't be helped, it involved a divorce). It started gradually that one rotor would cut out, but then would cut back in. Now, it only runs on one rotor almost all the time. I've taken it to a local shop (not a rotary specialist) and they tested the compression and said there was no problem. They also said there was no problem with the ignition (I had replaced the plugs, wires, etc.). They said they were stumped and never charged me anything for the time they spent on it.

So any ideas on what it could be, or any suggestions on a rotary shop in the St. Paul, MN area? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

check your spark plugs:
black oily means no spark, fouled plugs
red means not enough fuel

crank engine over with plugs pulled, connected and grounded and check for spark
also the rotors should make a consistent swooshing sound.....pull the fuel pump fuse before doing this

testing a rotory's compression is tricky......I think they are mistaken, and that you have a blown rotor.

 

I find it hard to believe that he "blew" a rotor just starting it after sitting. Perhaps it just needs some extra lubrication to free the stuck seals. I bought a 79 with a motor that was supposedly "blown" with bad coolant seals and apex seals on one rotor. It ran so horribly and on one rotor so I replaced the carb and freshened the ingition (spare coils, cap, wires) from another parts car and it started up at idled back down to 750. It purrs now.

Verify that you have spark. Also after sitting for so long, the carb is most likely stuck or gunked up. Clean it or have it cleaned/rebuilt.