Has Anybody Rebuilt Their Own 13B?
10-22-01, 09:26 AM
#1
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Has Anybody Rebuilt Their Own 13B?
I just watched Bruce Terrentines video on rebuilding your own 13B.
I have heard from sources that rebuilding a rotary and doing it right can be very difficult. In the video, it looks very easy.
Who here has rebuilt their own motor and how is it running now?
I have heard from sources that rebuilding a rotary and doing it right can be very difficult. In the video, it looks very easy.
Who here has rebuilt their own motor and how is it running now?
10-22-01, 11:18 AM
#2
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Go for it
I rebuilt my own engine back in the early spring. I also used Bruce's video, and consider it a must have for the first timer.
I am a lifelong and highly skilled mechanic, but I am fairly new to rotary engines. There are a few areas where it is very easy to make a costly mistake during a rebuild (the proper installation of the oil seal springs comes to mind) The video clearly shows the proper way to avoid these common errors.
I already had an extensive collection of hand tools. The main task of the rotary rebuild is cleaning the rotors and other parts. Measuring is also a critical part of the rebuild. As far as machine work, there is none needed unless you intend on lapping the end housings.
Just remember, clean it up, then clean it up some more. Measure all clearances, and make sure the parts are reassembled correctly. As Bruce says, if you aren't afraid to tackle a regular piston engine rebuild, then you are more than qualified to rebuild the rotary. Don't be afraid to ask questions either. Any one here will be glad to offer advice if needed during your rebuild.
My engine has gone past the 10,000 mile mark since rebuild. It is running perfectly, does not leak nor does it flood. I am quite satisfied with the way things turned out. I did use new rotor housings, and had the end housings lapped and re-nitrided. That was by far the most expensive part of the whole deal.
I am a lifelong and highly skilled mechanic, but I am fairly new to rotary engines. There are a few areas where it is very easy to make a costly mistake during a rebuild (the proper installation of the oil seal springs comes to mind) The video clearly shows the proper way to avoid these common errors.
I already had an extensive collection of hand tools. The main task of the rotary rebuild is cleaning the rotors and other parts. Measuring is also a critical part of the rebuild. As far as machine work, there is none needed unless you intend on lapping the end housings.
Just remember, clean it up, then clean it up some more. Measure all clearances, and make sure the parts are reassembled correctly. As Bruce says, if you aren't afraid to tackle a regular piston engine rebuild, then you are more than qualified to rebuild the rotary. Don't be afraid to ask questions either. Any one here will be glad to offer advice if needed during your rebuild.
My engine has gone past the 10,000 mile mark since rebuild. It is running perfectly, does not leak nor does it flood. I am quite satisfied with the way things turned out. I did use new rotor housings, and had the end housings lapped and re-nitrided. That was by far the most expensive part of the whole deal.
10-22-01, 11:21 AM
#3
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Yes I have, said Hailers, beaming. Used a Haynes on the first 12A model and the factory manual on the rest. The FREE DOWNLOAD OF THE FACTORY MANUAL is at http://www.iluvmyrx7 or at fc3s site. Download and print it out. Use common sense and your good judgement. For a general idea on the price of parts go to Mazdatrix site or the Atkins site or Rotary Performance site or Ted's site. You might use the SEARCH ENGINE on this site and put in rebuild or your favorite word and see whats up.You'll enjoy doing the rebuild. Have fun.
10-22-01, 11:31 AM
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I have and I am quite satisfied with the results. One thing I want to add to the list of things to do is make sure you are very organized. I feel organization is the key to a successful rebuild if you are going to reuse any of the parts. I bought basically everything new except the end and middle housings, the rotors and the e-shaft and of coarse all the other reusable parts. Good luck
10-22-01, 11:40 AM
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I have 3 cores to get the parts off of. We tore one down yesterday to find out that the front housing had a big gouge in it. Probably from the apex seal when it fell apart.
I will be tearing down engine #2 this weekend to see if I can use the front housing off of it. Hoepfully I won't have to by a new housing. Those things are expensive!
I am still debating on 3mm apex seals. What do you guys think?
I am also planning on porting this by myself! I will get a template from Mazdatrix.
I am also planning on buying the best rebuild kit that Atkins sells. It cost $1142 which includes all new bearings.
I will be tearing down engine #2 this weekend to see if I can use the front housing off of it. Hoepfully I won't have to by a new housing. Those things are expensive!
I am still debating on 3mm apex seals. What do you guys think?
I am also planning on porting this by myself! I will get a template from Mazdatrix.
I am also planning on buying the best rebuild kit that Atkins sells. It cost $1142 which includes all new bearings.
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10-22-01, 11:59 AM
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????????????????????????????????????
but even if so, you be experienced for help on mine.
also, is gnat's-ass7 the guy with the white one, check out his post on six ports
but even if so, you be experienced for help on mine.
also, is gnat's-ass7 the guy with the white one, check out his post on six ports
10-22-01, 12:38 PM
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i rebuilt mine about 6 months ago. did it in autotech at school when i was a senior. all i had was the haynes manual. Though i didnt really take many measurements i like to think i restored it to factory spec with my eyes. I streetported it w/ a dremel tool and just pictures from various places. I got a new rear housing from RotorSportsRacing b/c mine was badly scarred. I also have 3mm seals in just the rear rotor b/c i had it machined after the tips had been damaged and could not fit 2mm seals in them. So my motor is pretty strangly put together. but it runs good and hopefully it will last. No leaks, dosnt burn anything. If anyones got questions I might be able to help
10-22-01, 12:40 PM
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oh yeah. i am neither a lifelong or highly skilled mechanic. but i did take three years of auto tech and ive worked at an oil change place for a year or so doing inspections and light mechanical work so ive got all the foundations
10-22-01, 01:47 PM
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HIya guys me and Brian P (he's on the forum) rebuilt my engine in the summer.... All the housings were used but were all in excellent shape...We of course got all new apex seals, gaskets... well all new seals.. lol... We gave it a street port and removed the exhaust silencers...It still works great its been over 3 months... In addition we did a transmission swap... the car i bought was an automatic.... and we switched it over to 5-speed. The motor is strong has great compression... and it has bags.. of power... !!! We used the Haynes manual... and The Mazda factory manual (downloaded offa the internet)... good luck on your rebuild
wups
10-22-01, 10:39 PM
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We tore one down yesterday to find out that the front housing had a big gouge in it. Probably from the apex seal when it fell apart. I will be tearing down engine #2 this weekend to see if I can use the front housing off of it. Hoepfully I won't have to by a new housing.
rxtasy1- you don't have to use a front housing in the front. if you need to save cash and have a rear housing, simply get the small exhaust hole under the exhast port welded and you'll be fine.
10-22-01, 10:53 PM
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rxtasy1- you don't have to use a front housing in the front. if you need to save cash and have a rear housing, simply get the small exhaust hole under the exhast port welded and you'll be fine.
Where did you get the Bruces Terrentines's video ?
$1142? Can you tell me exactly what you're getting with this kit?
Overhaul gasket set
Apex seals
Apex Seal Springs
Corner Seal Springs
Corner Seal Plug
Corner Seal
Side seal springs
Side seals
Oil control Ring Rubbers
Oil control Rings Metal
Front Main Seal
Rear Main seal
Pilot Bearing & Seal
Thermal Pellet Replacement
Rotor Bearings, Main Brg, Stationary gear bearing
Hylomar sealant
