Help......I'm the only owner on my 82 and have never had any problems with my 12A other then replacing the alternator and starter. It has 178K on it and still runs great, however, lately the engine has started leaking oil from between the rotor housings. My local Mazda dealer here in El Paso says I need to either rebuild it or buy a new engine (3,200.00 !) So my guestion to all of you out there is. What years will fit. Or is there a repair for this problem other than a rebuild/replacement ?

thanks for any advice

 

looks like its time for a rebuild.. grab a haynes manul or watever you prefer and grab a rebuild, it aint too hard...

 

any special tools required?

 

The option are:-

1 if you are satisfied with the performance of the 12A
- rebuild it yourself if you are a reasonable mechanic but remember the rebuild kit is expemsive.
-have a specialist rotary mechanic do the job for you along with a guarantee.
- buy a used 12A from someone upgrading their engine.

2. if you want more power upgrade to a 13B or !3BT
- going with the 13B you will get a 35% power increase, again there are numerous sources for good second hand engines
-fit an imported low mileage imported 13BT from 1986-1990, this will increase your power by 75% with the stock turbo. There are several specialist importers of secondhand engines from Japan

Installing the 13B and 13BT requires some modificationds but they are relatively simple as shown in Forum sticky on the subject which will give you the guidance needed.

Rebuilding the 12A requires the usual skills and tools of a mechanic, plus its useful to have a good friend on hand to take the engine out. One of the few disadvantages of the rotary is you can't rebuild the engine while its still in the car. The Haynes or Mazda manuals are excellent while many people on the foumhave rebuilt their own engine and will give good advice if you hit a problem.

Personally I prefer the 12A, after the long service it has given you I would rebuild it.

Good luck