2nd Gen General Discussion The place for non-technical discussion about 2nd Gen RX-7s or if there's no better place for your topic

Compression Results good or bad

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 2, 2022 | 06:27 PM
  #1  
spurs fan2's Avatar
Thread Starter
Rotary Enthusiast
Liked
 
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 45
Likes: 2
From: South Carolina
Compression Results good or bad

Hello again! Was curious on compression results
Car is 86 NA 5 speed
90 87 85 Alt
91 88 86 267 rpm
Rear Rotor^
Front Rotor
92 98 90 267 rom
90 96 88 alt
​​Rotary Tester was used are these any good or slightly off and tired?! I know the Haynes manual says 85 is minimum but some people say 80- 90 is normal for NA S4s due to compression ratio. Also this is my second rotary not knowledge enough just yet but I know all the faces should be even the more the better.
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2022 | 05:32 AM
  #2  
mazdaverx713b's Avatar
Have RX-7, will restore
Veteran: Army
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (91)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,577
Likes: 1,273
From: Ohio
My first question would be was the engine at normal operating temperature when the compression test was done? If not, it should be for the most accurate results.

To me, those numbers are borderline, but I feel as though the engine would run just fine but you could expect a slight dip in power and to get slightly lower fuel mileage. Are you experiencing any hot start issues?
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2022 | 05:58 AM
  #3  
Pete_89T2's Avatar
Rotorhead for life
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,195
Likes: 1,267
From: Elkton, MD
Originally Posted by spurs fan2
Hello again! Was curious on compression results
Car is 86 NA 5 speed
90 87 85 Alt
91 88 86 267 rpm
Rear Rotor^
Front Rotor
92 98 90 267 rom
90 96 88 alt
​​Rotary Tester was used are these any good or slightly off and tired?! I know the Haynes manual says 85 is minimum but some people say 80- 90 is normal for NA S4s due to compression ratio. Also this is my second rotary not knowledge enough just yet but I know all the faces should be even the more the better.
With those numbers the motor is getting a bit tired, but it still should be a good runner - it should start hot or cold and make decent power when running. If it's NOT doing that, your problem is not compression.

Also, when you tested, I'm assuming you tested per Mazda's procedure - i.e., engine at operating temps, throttle wide open? Both will effect test results

Last edited by Pete_89T2; Oct 3, 2022 at 06:01 AM.
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2022 | 07:38 AM
  #4  
spurs fan2's Avatar
Thread Starter
Rotary Enthusiast
Liked
 
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 45
Likes: 2
From: South Carolina
Originally Posted by Pete_89T2
With those numbers the motor is getting a bit tired, but it still should be a good runner - it should start hot or cold and make decent power when running. If it's NOT doing that, your problem is not compression.

Also, when you tested, I'm assuming you tested per Mazda's procedure - i.e., engine at operating temps, throttle wide open? Both will effect test results
Unfortunately didn't test myself was the seller before hand the night before i got it, car seems to run amazing. Hot starts aren't a issue at all so far starts and idles fine smooth power delivery, was thinking about letting it get to op temp and doing the shcarder valve test just to be safe. I know not as accurate but could give me a better feeling. Mind you the car has 106k miles I'm it's third owner. Car was bought originally in 86 has all maintenance record from 86 to 2016. Then the guy I bought it from put 12k miles on it and I bought it not to long ago
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2022 | 07:41 AM
  #5  
spurs fan2's Avatar
Thread Starter
Rotary Enthusiast
Liked
 
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 45
Likes: 2
From: South Carolina
Originally Posted by mazdaverx713b
My first question would be was the engine at normal operating temperature when the compression test was done? If not, it should be for the most accurate results.

To me, those numbers are borderline, but I feel as though the engine would run just fine but you could expect a slight dip in power and to get slightly lower fuel mileage. Are you experiencing any hot start issues?
Not sure but I'm gonna do it myself again at operating temps. And the cars has 106k original miles 2 owners , I'm the third have all the records from 86 to 2016. Second owner is a fellow rotary owner put 12k miles on it then I bought it.
Also no issues with hot starts to notice so far have had it about a month
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2022 | 05:21 AM
  #6  
mazdaverx713b's Avatar
Have RX-7, will restore
Veteran: Army
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (91)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,577
Likes: 1,273
From: Ohio
I would do it again with my own rotary compression tester just so I know it was done correctly. However, if it's running that well and the mileage is that low, I honestly wouldn't worry about it too much. It sounds like the engine is stil pretty solid and the car has likely been well maintained!
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
phatjames167
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
7
Oct 21, 2009 03:00 PM
End3r
General Rotary Tech Support
6
Apr 27, 2004 08:29 PM
85gs
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
9
May 12, 2003 12:29 AM
ZoomZoomH
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
3
Oct 28, 2002 01:53 PM
OneKrazyGuy
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002)
4
Jun 4, 2002 08:55 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:33 PM.