Build up Thread for 91 vert
09-11-08, 08:43 PM
#1
Build up Thread for 91 vert
I bought a 1991 Convertible this week. Here is a little about it:
New top (2yrs old)
Clean interior.
Minimal Rust on the left fender
Bad starter
Coolant peace missing
Few scrapes on bumper
Cd player doesn't work.
Some sort of fuel issue
116k miles
Needs a battery
Underneath has no rust
California car
I plan on having a whole thread of my process of fixing the car. My goal is that by the end of winter the car will be near perfect order. Now just changing the batter took 4 hours with all the stuff we did wrong; so my estimate might be very well off.
Today I tried to start it. The battery had about 9 volts so I went to charge it up. To make a long story short we put the wrong wires on the wrong places. I’m grateful we only fried some fuses.
We tried starting it; we got it to the top of the driveway (our drive way is about 55 degree angle). It started but then died.
To all of you whom were with me on the posting of weather I should buy it you know im new to this so, there for any advice is welcome, do's and don’ts help ALOT.
New top (2yrs old)
Clean interior.
Minimal Rust on the left fender
Bad starter
Coolant peace missing
Few scrapes on bumper
Cd player doesn't work.
Some sort of fuel issue
116k miles
Needs a battery
Underneath has no rust
California car
I plan on having a whole thread of my process of fixing the car. My goal is that by the end of winter the car will be near perfect order. Now just changing the batter took 4 hours with all the stuff we did wrong; so my estimate might be very well off.
Today I tried to start it. The battery had about 9 volts so I went to charge it up. To make a long story short we put the wrong wires on the wrong places. I’m grateful we only fried some fuses.
We tried starting it; we got it to the top of the driveway (our drive way is about 55 degree angle). It started but then died.
To all of you whom were with me on the posting of weather I should buy it you know im new to this so, there for any advice is welcome, do's and don’ts help ALOT.
09-11-08, 09:02 PM
#3
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yep, pics will help.
A from the other thread:
What is it doing when you try to start it?
As far as a tune up goes, get NGK plugs, new wires, good oil (i used AMSoil personally), flush the radiator, new air filter, Fuel filter, i would also replace ALL the vacume lines, just to stop propblems before they start.
And if you have to mess with the fuel system then replace those lines too.
Other then that is really depends on what is wrong with it and what yo uhave to get into. With mine i had to open up every part of the car for one thing or another so i replaced a lot of thing just because i was in there and it was easy while i had it apart.
But first you need to get it started.
Let us know what the problem is, i had a heck of a time getting mine started so i know a few tricks.
A from the other thread:
What is it doing when you try to start it?
As far as a tune up goes, get NGK plugs, new wires, good oil (i used AMSoil personally), flush the radiator, new air filter, Fuel filter, i would also replace ALL the vacume lines, just to stop propblems before they start.
And if you have to mess with the fuel system then replace those lines too.
Other then that is really depends on what is wrong with it and what yo uhave to get into. With mine i had to open up every part of the car for one thing or another so i replaced a lot of thing just because i was in there and it was easy while i had it apart.
But first you need to get it started.
Let us know what the problem is, i had a heck of a time getting mine started so i know a few tricks.
09-12-08, 05:21 PM
#4
Sometimes the starter won’t even work. The most we heard from it was a little bit of life, it sounded like it was stuck so were going to jack stand it and give the starter a little tap and see if it will un stick.
About the pictures, yesterday I got home a dark and today its rainy so maybe tomorrow is weather permits.
Now, I am planning on cleaning the garage. Then put the battery, change the fuses I blew, and replace the lights that burnt out.
Were the armrest is, that whole section is loose. Were the seat speakers, volume and top control is: its all-loose or broken any idea how to fix besides buying a new replacement?
About the pictures, yesterday I got home a dark and today its rainy so maybe tomorrow is weather permits.
Now, I am planning on cleaning the garage. Then put the battery, change the fuses I blew, and replace the lights that burnt out.
Were the armrest is, that whole section is loose. Were the seat speakers, volume and top control is: its all-loose or broken any idea how to fix besides buying a new replacement?
09-12-08, 07:56 PM
#5
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well my center console is also lose, so that just might be how they are.
I would do just what you are planning, change all the fuses, and make sure all the wireing is good.
As for the starter, try tapping it but if it still don't work then you need to figure out if it is a relay or the starter. My starter was also pretty much gone when i got my car. But i have heard sometimes the relays go bad on these cars.
Make sure the battery is FULLY charger AND hook up jumper cables! Very important, you want as much power as possible. If it doesn't want to start plan on a lot of cranking.
I would do just what you are planning, change all the fuses, and make sure all the wireing is good.
As for the starter, try tapping it but if it still don't work then you need to figure out if it is a relay or the starter. My starter was also pretty much gone when i got my car. But i have heard sometimes the relays go bad on these cars.
Make sure the battery is FULLY charger AND hook up jumper cables! Very important, you want as much power as possible. If it doesn't want to start plan on a lot of cranking.
09-12-08, 08:20 PM
#6
Before trying to start it, what coolant piece is missing?
Do as Texas_Ace said, and replace the oil, all the filters etc, if just for the peace of mind that you now know when the last time they were replaced was.
The consoles are held down with 4 or 6 screws, but mine is a bit loose too... i think its just 20 yr old plastics.
To check if its the relay or starter thats bad, pull the small spade terminal off of the starter solenoid (the starter solenoid is the small cylinder attached to the starter motor). Slide the positive lead of your voltmeter or test light into the end of the wire, and ground the other end. When you try to start the car, this wire should have 12v on it.
-If it does, your starter is bad or going bad. Tapping it with a hammer, or removing it and cleaning the contacts under the cap on the back of it can get you a few more months of use (albeit slower and less reliable), but ultimately you need to replace those contacts, which usually entails getting a new starter motor.
-If it doesnt, there are a few things to check. First, make sure that the large wire bolted to the starter solenoid next to the one you just checked has 12v at all times. If it doesnt, then this wire is bad or has been disconnected (not very likely) Second, make sure the starter relay is working. Find it, disconnect it, and apply 12v across the solenoid. When 12v is applied, you should have continuity between the other two contacts. If you dont, then you need a new starter relay. If the starter relay is good, then to close, the starter relay needs the clutch switch to be engaged (clutch to the floor), the anti-theft system to not be activated (probably not the case, these systems aren't really all that reliable in their engagement), and the ignition switch to be working properly. Check each of these things to make sure that they're functioning correctly, and check for continuity of all the wires between them.
Do as Texas_Ace said, and replace the oil, all the filters etc, if just for the peace of mind that you now know when the last time they were replaced was.
The consoles are held down with 4 or 6 screws, but mine is a bit loose too... i think its just 20 yr old plastics.
To check if its the relay or starter thats bad, pull the small spade terminal off of the starter solenoid (the starter solenoid is the small cylinder attached to the starter motor). Slide the positive lead of your voltmeter or test light into the end of the wire, and ground the other end. When you try to start the car, this wire should have 12v on it.
-If it does, your starter is bad or going bad. Tapping it with a hammer, or removing it and cleaning the contacts under the cap on the back of it can get you a few more months of use (albeit slower and less reliable), but ultimately you need to replace those contacts, which usually entails getting a new starter motor.
-If it doesnt, there are a few things to check. First, make sure that the large wire bolted to the starter solenoid next to the one you just checked has 12v at all times. If it doesnt, then this wire is bad or has been disconnected (not very likely) Second, make sure the starter relay is working. Find it, disconnect it, and apply 12v across the solenoid. When 12v is applied, you should have continuity between the other two contacts. If you dont, then you need a new starter relay. If the starter relay is good, then to close, the starter relay needs the clutch switch to be engaged (clutch to the floor), the anti-theft system to not be activated (probably not the case, these systems aren't really all that reliable in their engagement), and the ignition switch to be working properly. Check each of these things to make sure that they're functioning correctly, and check for continuity of all the wires between them.
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09-13-08, 09:05 AM
#8
It’s from the radiator hose to the engine. It was cracked and he just taped it.
I will try doing I that today. One of my fathers friends are coming over, he likes working on cars and said he would like to help. I priced starters at Auto Zone they wanted $150 + $60 if you don’t recycle the old starter.
About the center console, I only have two screws holding it, one if witch is broken. The PO had a cell phone holder/speaker system in, and he lifted up the console to run the wire, and intern snapped most of the plastic holding it down. At least that is what I am guessing happened
I bought the car for $500, and I got a set of new tires with it and other parts.
I will try doing I that today. One of my fathers friends are coming over, he likes working on cars and said he would like to help. I priced starters at Auto Zone they wanted $150 + $60 if you don’t recycle the old starter.
About the center console, I only have two screws holding it, one if witch is broken. The PO had a cell phone holder/speaker system in, and he lifted up the console to run the wire, and intern snapped most of the plastic holding it down. At least that is what I am guessing happened
I bought the car for $500, and I got a set of new tires with it and other parts.
09-13-08, 10:32 AM
#9
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For the starter check Pepboys, they always seem to have better prices and they price match. I got my starter there for $125 i think. just pull the old starter before you go to the store and you don't have to pay the core charge.
So your cooling system is leaking from the hose? or from the thermostat houseing? hoes is easy. If it is the housing then you hopfully can just find another one and bolt it on.
So your cooling system is leaking from the hose? or from the thermostat houseing? hoes is easy. If it is the housing then you hopfully can just find another one and bolt it on.
09-13-08, 01:02 PM
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Well then you are lucky, a $10 hose and that is fixed.
Then the radio must not work, not surprising at all. Just get a $50 from walmart, would be better quality and have a CD player anyways.
I will be doing the same thing to mine.
09-13-08, 07:23 PM
#13
So I changed the fuses today, and got the inside lights to work. The map light doesn’t work but ill fix that tomorrow I think its a short. I ordered a gas cap, air filter, and fuel filter. Monday I plan on going and getting the starter. After I get it running ill do a full 60k mile tune-up.
Tomorrow I plan on changing the oil and oil filter. Fixing the short and maybe try to tap on the starter.
Anyone knows were to get a shifter boot in Mass? If anyone knows were to get good quality parts in Westernmass please either pm or post thanks.
Tomorrow I plan on changing the oil and oil filter. Fixing the short and maybe try to tap on the starter.
Anyone knows were to get a shifter boot in Mass? If anyone knows were to get good quality parts in Westernmass please either pm or post thanks.
Last edited by Ryan123; 09-13-08 at 07:47 PM.
09-13-08, 07:39 PM
#14
Ill have some more tommorrow of the inside. Ill try to not make them as big next time sorry about that.
Also:
For $500 it was a steal. The interior is in almost perfect condition even with the center console loose (not anymore), I believe we killed the radio but ill save that for a rainy day were I get try and fix it or send it to be fixed. Back to the car, the seats are in really good condition a long with the dash and carpet. You sell when I get the pictures with the top down. There are dings thought the car, the only rust is on the left aftermarket fender witch can be sand blasted and repainted.
On the center console, I took it complete off; superglue the broken peace back on and it made a world of a difference. The part that controls the headrest speakers and the top is still loose but no were near as bad; it turned out I only had one screw in place.
Last edited by Ryan123; 09-13-08 at 08:00 PM.
09-13-08, 07:48 PM
#15
before you go buying a starter get a brand new battery with good cranking amps.
Dont try to keep starting it with a dead battery on a charger.
I also would not touch the vacuum hoses until you get the car started and tuned up, you could easily get yourself lost in those vacuum lines, just leave them for another time.
The thing that is wrapped in tape- thats the thermostat housing, they are plastic and break so you want to get a new one or used of those, they are also made in aluminum now as well, thats not the hose thats wrapped up.
Dont try to keep starting it with a dead battery on a charger.
I also would not touch the vacuum hoses until you get the car started and tuned up, you could easily get yourself lost in those vacuum lines, just leave them for another time.
The thing that is wrapped in tape- thats the thermostat housing, they are plastic and break so you want to get a new one or used of those, they are also made in aluminum now as well, thats not the hose thats wrapped up.
09-13-08, 08:06 PM
#17
before you go buying a starter get a brand new battery with good cranking amps.
Dont try to keep starting it with a dead battery on a charger.
I also would not touch the vacuum hoses until you get the car started and tuned up, you could easily get yourself lost in those vacuum lines, just leave them for another time.
The thing that is wrapped in tape- thats the thermostat housing, they are plastic and break so you want to get a new one or used of those, they are also made in aluminum now as well, thats not the hose thats wrapped up.
Dont try to keep starting it with a dead battery on a charger.
I also would not touch the vacuum hoses until you get the car started and tuned up, you could easily get yourself lost in those vacuum lines, just leave them for another time.
The thing that is wrapped in tape- thats the thermostat housing, they are plastic and break so you want to get a new one or used of those, they are also made in aluminum now as well, thats not the hose thats wrapped up.
Yes that was my mistake. What would you recommend, me going and getting a used thermostat housing or new; if new what one aluminum or plastic?
09-14-08, 09:23 AM
#20
I had problems starting my own cars with a dead battery on a charger/booster, these cars sometimes just dont like that.
put a WTB ad in the parts section or look for someone parting out a S5 car to get the thermostat housing, the aluminum ones can be had at Mazdatrix.com, but I would see about a cheaper plastic one for now incase you have other issues that might need attention and money.
Your fuel issue might be from the car sitting, and from you keep trying to start it, not sure if you are flooding it or not so you want to search for starting a car with a flooded engine and starting a car that has been sitting as there are procedures you need to follow and may prove helpfull, such as taking the plugs out and putting some marvel mystery oil or ATF fluid in the housings, allowing it to sit and soak, THEN trying to start up the car.
Most "dead" RX7s are misunderstood, its actually pretty hard to kill a NA car, that is if it was not overheated or really abused.
Get the car started and running so you can see what it needs, then do a full tune up and fluids change and give the car some needed attention.
put a WTB ad in the parts section or look for someone parting out a S5 car to get the thermostat housing, the aluminum ones can be had at Mazdatrix.com, but I would see about a cheaper plastic one for now incase you have other issues that might need attention and money.
Your fuel issue might be from the car sitting, and from you keep trying to start it, not sure if you are flooding it or not so you want to search for starting a car with a flooded engine and starting a car that has been sitting as there are procedures you need to follow and may prove helpfull, such as taking the plugs out and putting some marvel mystery oil or ATF fluid in the housings, allowing it to sit and soak, THEN trying to start up the car.
Most "dead" RX7s are misunderstood, its actually pretty hard to kill a NA car, that is if it was not overheated or really abused.
Get the car started and running so you can see what it needs, then do a full tune up and fluids change and give the car some needed attention.
09-14-08, 07:28 PM
#22
Today wasn’t a productive day. We spent most of the day trying to find a jack and looking at stuff at auto zone. I managed to get the radio to work. I took off the cover then I said I don’t have time for this and put it back together.
I was curious to were the spare tire was so I took off the back cover were the top lies down on and found a speaker box. I saw a fuse and decide to replace it while the cover was off. Sure enough the radio worked again. Then I vacuumed all the pine needles out of the car (their wasn’t much just was getting annoying).
I stared to get the AAA sticker off the back bumper when my father came out and said we need to buy a jack. From their on it was shopping. After that we barrowed some ramps from a friend. I did manage to get one picture of the interior with the top down its, not the best but it gives an idea of how good of shape its in.
I found a starter from auto zone for $104 + a $42 core charge, so that is were ill be getting it if I need one. This week and weekend will be doing the testing that was told to me by toplessFC3Sman.
On the side of the car were the top and fenders met there is a gap witch the water runes thru into two hoses and the hoses brings it to back of the car were the water leaks out. The hoses are filled with mold, any idea how to prevent this like just dump down bleach or some kind of mold killer after I replace the hoses to prevent it from doing it again?
Here’s the picture I took before I left:
I was curious to were the spare tire was so I took off the back cover were the top lies down on and found a speaker box. I saw a fuse and decide to replace it while the cover was off. Sure enough the radio worked again. Then I vacuumed all the pine needles out of the car (their wasn’t much just was getting annoying).
I stared to get the AAA sticker off the back bumper when my father came out and said we need to buy a jack. From their on it was shopping. After that we barrowed some ramps from a friend. I did manage to get one picture of the interior with the top down its, not the best but it gives an idea of how good of shape its in.
I found a starter from auto zone for $104 + a $42 core charge, so that is were ill be getting it if I need one. This week and weekend will be doing the testing that was told to me by toplessFC3Sman.
On the side of the car were the top and fenders met there is a gap witch the water runes thru into two hoses and the hoses brings it to back of the car were the water leaks out. The hoses are filled with mold, any idea how to prevent this like just dump down bleach or some kind of mold killer after I replace the hoses to prevent it from doing it again?
Here’s the picture I took before I left:
09-15-08, 06:49 PM
#23
Ok I got it on the ramps today and so far so good. I got the plastic covert off and that as far as I have gotten.
I have to say those pioneer speakers are just as good as the bose speakers in the new cars.
I should be on track for getting it started. Starting of the questions; what battier should I get? Auto zone had one for $110, that just seams a little pricey for a battier when they usually only cost 50-60 bucks. I keep getting told different stories, what kind of oil should I use Texas said AMSoil and there’s only one place I know of that sell it; when I told the guy at auto zone they said don’t use synthetic oil use nature. Witch one will should I Use? Also there is a lot of oil on the undercarriage. Think she had/has an oil problem or is that normal to have it even on the transmission?
I have to say those pioneer speakers are just as good as the bose speakers in the new cars.
I should be on track for getting it started. Starting of the questions; what battier should I get? Auto zone had one for $110, that just seams a little pricey for a battier when they usually only cost 50-60 bucks. I keep getting told different stories, what kind of oil should I use Texas said AMSoil and there’s only one place I know of that sell it; when I told the guy at auto zone they said don’t use synthetic oil use nature. Witch one will should I Use? Also there is a lot of oil on the undercarriage. Think she had/has an oil problem or is that normal to have it even on the transmission?
09-15-08, 08:34 PM
#24
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Well i got a battery at Sams club for $68 and it was bigger then stock to boot and a 3 year replacement/9 year prorated warranty.
As for oil, look in the FAQ for more info but basically cheap synthetic oil = no go for a rotary. good synthetic oil = Go for it. I ordered my AMSoil online, only took a day or 2 to get it. they have a special europeian oil that it very good. That is what i used, it is 20w-50.
But really any dyno oil will work as well.
As for oil under the car, my tranny also has quite a bit of oil on it, no idea what it is from but it is there. you won't know if it leaks oil until you get it running. I would not worry about it for now.
As for oil, look in the FAQ for more info but basically cheap synthetic oil = no go for a rotary. good synthetic oil = Go for it. I ordered my AMSoil online, only took a day or 2 to get it. they have a special europeian oil that it very good. That is what i used, it is 20w-50.
But really any dyno oil will work as well.
As for oil under the car, my tranny also has quite a bit of oil on it, no idea what it is from but it is there. you won't know if it leaks oil until you get it running. I would not worry about it for now.
09-18-08, 06:10 PM
#25
I got the new battery today.
When we tried to start it smoke came from a small area below the oil filter.
I’m not sure why maybe the relay?
I know its not from the oil filter.
If anyone knows what causing it that would be great.
When we tried to start it smoke came from a small area below the oil filter.
I’m not sure why maybe the relay?
I know its not from the oil filter.
If anyone knows what causing it that would be great.
Last edited by Ryan123; 09-18-08 at 06:37 PM.