226k still runs
11-28-05, 10:20 AM
#1
88 RX-7 GXL
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226k still runs
I wanted to bring this up cause most people are saying things like theirs lasted to 200k...
My RX-7 has 226k miles on it, I just got it last month and haven't had any engine problems at all...
So what I want to know is:
How much life does my engine really have left? And how do i know when its about to die?
When it does die, what goes wrong? and how much does it usually cost to fix?
My RX-7 has 226k miles on it, I just got it last month and haven't had any engine problems at all...
So what I want to know is:
How much life does my engine really have left? And how do i know when its about to die?
When it does die, what goes wrong? and how much does it usually cost to fix?
11-28-05, 10:57 AM
#5
Search around for doing a compression test. Basically, you can use a regular piston compression tester and hold down the button while someone cranks the engine. Look for 3 even bounces. 80-90 means its prob in need of a rebuild, and anything higher is still ok.
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Relisys190 (01-09-24)
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11-28-05, 12:29 PM
#8
knowledge junkie
High mileage NA engines are more common than people think, simply because nobody posts "hey my car is doing great at 250K miles."
If the engine STILL starts up nicely during summertime and fairly good on cold winter days with 220K+ miles then congratulations, you HAVE PROVEN routine regular maintenance, routine non-standard maintenance (such as cleaning debris from raidator & oil coolers), looking for tail-tail signs of an issue and then properly diagnosing & repairing the issues, and good (fast) driving adds up to high engine life.
If the engine STILL starts up nicely during summertime and fairly good on cold winter days with 220K+ miles then congratulations, you HAVE PROVEN routine regular maintenance, routine non-standard maintenance (such as cleaning debris from raidator & oil coolers), looking for tail-tail signs of an issue and then properly diagnosing & repairing the issues, and good (fast) driving adds up to high engine life.
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Relisys190 (01-09-24)
11-28-05, 01:31 PM
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a quick blob: http://fc3spro.com/TECH/FAQ/compress.html
11-28-05, 07:18 PM
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My buddy's 88 convertible hit 300k before he decided it was time for a rebuild, he told me that it still had above 80psi on all compression faces right before the rebuild. I wish I had such luck, my convertible lost a coolant seal at 120k 
11-28-05, 07:38 PM
#14
Green Flameless
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mine had 217 when I rebuilt it.. Not because it needed it, because I got the car for $200 and I didn't know the history.. She's @ 228 right now, and showing no signs of slowing down.. actually, if the turbo sitting in the garage is any indication, she's speeding up 
11-28-05, 08:48 PM
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slide style_AUTO (Iowa)
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We just had a 1989 Nissan 240sx at our shop blow a timing chain and head gasket at 240,000. Nissan 240sx --- 240,000 ah the irony.
11-28-05, 10:44 PM
#17
I had an 87 NA that had something like 280k on the original unrebuilt motor when I acquired it, and the interior and paint were even still in good shape 
Got rid of it at about 320k when it (finally) started smoking, and only 'cause at the time I didn't have the resources to do anything about it.
Got rid of it at about 320k when it (finally) started smoking, and only 'cause at the time I didn't have the resources to do anything about it.
11-29-05, 07:46 AM
#18
88 RX-7 GXL
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Thanks Guys...
I will check the compresion when i get a chance, but in the mean time I am just going to have to drive it.
Hope it will last a while, 'cause I dont have enough to rebuild it.
I will check the compresion when i get a chance, but in the mean time I am just going to have to drive it.
Hope it will last a while, 'cause I dont have enough to rebuild it.
11-29-05, 01:56 PM
#19
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My original engine lasted until 276,000 Miles. It had a very rough idle. When it was rebuild it was determined that I had a cracked corner seal. Had no compression on two sides of the rear rotor. (That is what happens when you race a motorcyle on the highway at 120+ for about 10 miles. Then the TPS went out and had no idle. That is when I learned to Heal Toe really well. Then I drove the car from Tulsa to Florida for a rebuild. Speeds between 80-110mph, averaged 21mpg.
The N/A engines that fail before 200K do so because they were cared for improperly.
The N/A engines that fail before 200K do so because they were cared for improperly.
11-29-05, 06:51 PM
#21
Originally Posted by tidanb0utch
320k thats reliable.
Definitely an "I shoulda kept it" car...
That's OK, though - to compensate, I just picked up an 86 GXL with only 110k, same type of previous owner. TPS adjustment even still has the plastic cap on it(!)
01-25-06, 10:46 PM
#22
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I own a 1988 RX7 SE with 237K original miles as I bought it new in 1988.
Engine pulls strong with no increased vibration due to good maintenance, however, engine burns 1 quart of oil every 500 miles and spark plugs show carbon deposits. Oil rings are gone as indicated by increased oil usage.
Tranny input bearing slightly noisy in first gear only.
Internal and external car in perfect condition - repainted 2 years ago.
Considering engine and tranny rebuild if keep car another 5 years.
Cannot find new 2-door coupe with hatchback and good handling for under 30K. Difficult to let car go for new inferior coupe like civic, mustang, etc.
Engine pulls strong with no increased vibration due to good maintenance, however, engine burns 1 quart of oil every 500 miles and spark plugs show carbon deposits. Oil rings are gone as indicated by increased oil usage.
Tranny input bearing slightly noisy in first gear only.
Internal and external car in perfect condition - repainted 2 years ago.
Considering engine and tranny rebuild if keep car another 5 years.
Cannot find new 2-door coupe with hatchback and good handling for under 30K. Difficult to let car go for new inferior coupe like civic, mustang, etc.
01-26-06, 01:41 AM
#25
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Originally Posted by FC_DRIFTER
We just had a 1989 Nissan 240sx at our shop blow a timing chain and head gasket at 240,000. Nissan 240sx --- 240,000 ah the irony.