I am looking at a 1986 GXL that I can pick up for 800 bucks, trailered to my house. It needs an apex seal and vacuum lines. How hard are they to replace? I can't find any rotary mechanics in the area. What am I looking at for work?

 

well you cant be certain its only an apex seal if it hasnt been torn down, so if the engine hasnt been taking apart yet you will need to do so to see what all needs to be replaced, then order what you need, I did my first minor rebuild a couple of weeks ago and all is well, very easy to do, me and a buddy did it in a weekend, so I reccomend the rebuild video from atkins, and just do it step by step, and its as easy as cake. So to tear down the engine you will need a 2 1/8 socket to take the engine apart. So take a look and see whats going on, but I reccomend the video first it will identify all the parts of the engine. but if you have any more questions you can ask me, or use the search icon most everything you need to know has already been answered. good luck!

 

Your looking at a complete engine tear down and rebuild, could be anywhere from $1,000 to $3000 depending on whats useable.

The apex seal being damaged is not good at all, the rotor, housing and sideplates might need to be replaced as well.

The vac lines are not even an issue here, they are the very least of your worries with this car.

Why does it need an apex seal?? What did the owner tell you.

This is not something that an unexperienced mechanic can fix, only a trusted rotary mechanic can help you here. Look for the thread on here for mechanics and see if you can locate some one.

Overall, you are looking at alot of money to get it back into running condition. You might be better off finding a different RX7 or having the seller lower the price.

 

how far are they towing this car for you? I think Iwould look into a JDM engine there affordable, and in running condition with low miles generally inbetween 30-60 miles on the engine. But the other guy is right it could be fairly cheap to get back on the road or exspensive you never know. Do you have pics of this car?

 

I don't have any pictures no. If it sounds as hard as you say, then I wont buy it. Supposedly he drove it up until the apex seal went. There are no rotary mechanics around here afaik, and I am not much of a mechanic so I guess I will pass on this one.

 

Rebuilding the motor is always an option. Any smart mechanic of any kind can rebuild a rotary. If thats your only issue you could call around local shops and ask. You might also want to source some of the parts yourself, if you have the funds. I would just be patient and find a good reliable rx-7 from the start.
Next time around use the buying guides. They are great at negotiating better prices, and insuring you get a good car.
http://www.aaroncake.net/RX-7/buy1.htm <----- NA Buying guide.
http://www.aaroncake.net/RX-7/buy2.htm <----- Turbo II buying guide.

 

Well if I had a garage and the funds I would buy it and rebuild it. 800 seems like a bit much if it doesn't run anyway. I'll just find a working one. If anyone knows of any rotary mechanics in Western Massachusetts, let me know. I can't find any. I've called around.