Im looking at buying a 91 n/a Rx7 that has been sitting for 2 years. The engine was replaced 5 years ago and only has 30k on it. Ive been told by the seller that it has no compression from sitting and not being run. Would this hold true or are the seals fubar and the engine needs rebuilt.

 

It could possibly have no compression, or the motor could just need a bit of assistance.

Go to aaroncake's homepage and read his tip on the "ATF trick". Then go buy some fogging oil, or ATF if you really want to, and use it to build compression.

 

thanks for the advice. I read that page before but got sidetracked by people saying that most likely the engine needs rebuilt.

What would you say would be a fair asking price for this vehicle?

 

1-2k if it's not running?

2k only if the body is immaculate.

After you've changed money and the title is in your name, proceed to attempt to start the car. If it works, then you have just bought a cheap car. If it doesn't work, call a tow and pick up what you've paid for, knowing that you can get your engine rebuilt and ported.

 

cool cuz the guy wants less then 1k. When I go ill bring my trailer and plan to tow it. this way i can do a full check of it before attempting to start it

 

if he wants under $1k and it looks good, then buy it!! But definitely try the ATF trick. I forget where the link for aaron's site is. I wish i came across a 91 like that

 

Before you try to start it, if the car has sat for that long, make sure you drain the fuel from the fuel tank, and bring a gas tank with you of fresh gas. You can buy one of those cheap walmart gas containers. I keep a 1 gallon gas container in my car at all times, but there are 5 gallon ones as well.

 

Im not going to try to start it there. Im going to bring it back to my garage and do the following:
1) change all fluids
2) replace all corroded and or damaged lines
3) replace belts if necessary
4) do a once over of the electrical system

and then if im satisfied ill try the atf/oil method to bring it to life

 

make sure you replace the gas.....you don't want it messing up your pump.

 

ya that was part of the fluids. Hopefully the plug isn't rusted on that'll make things interesting.