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How does long distance driving affect the Rotary?

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Old 02-12-02, 04:40 PM
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Question How does long distance driving affect the Rotary?

I'm just curious.
So when on a long trip, besides adding horrible miles to the engine, what does that constant work on the engine do to it? Like let's say you take it for a trip that is about 10 hrs. of driving. But before leaving and while driving you take care of the car at every stop and gas fill up, you know checking the fluids and other vitals. What will happen to the engine? Does it hurt it? is there anyway to prevent damage, or make things a little better after the drive?

Thanks!
Old 02-12-02, 04:58 PM
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Besides the normal engine wear, there's nothng to worry about.

Actually, a good long highway drive is good for most motors. It allows them to reach and stay at operting temperature for an extended period of time. This can allow any carbon you may have built up from too much short distance driving to be burned off.
Old 02-12-02, 05:17 PM
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You comin to see me Jessica?
Old 02-12-02, 05:38 PM
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you're not 10 hrs away, or 5 hrs away. It's more like 2hrs or so to get to Columbus.

Old 02-12-02, 05:58 PM
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Just remember to check your oil periodically. When I picked mine up and drove it across the country I didn't know about the OMP putting oil into the engine and got a rude shock on a pass in Idaho when the low oil buzzer and light turned on. Big scare! Took 2000 miles of driving for that to happen.
Old 02-12-02, 07:52 PM
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you'd probably put less wear on an engine driving for 10 hours in one day. then starting up the car and driving it for 15 mins 7 days in row.

starting a car is bad for it, and driving for less then 20 mins is bad.
Old 02-12-02, 08:02 PM
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i find that after my long 7 hour drive to my parents' place, my car will improve on gas mileage and run better.
Old 02-12-02, 08:20 PM
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I drive 50 miles each way every weekend, 200 miles each Friday and Sunday. My engine is still in one piece
Old 02-12-02, 08:23 PM
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I drove from Columbia, SC to Bend, OR in 5 days. It wasn't a straight shot so I actually went about 3000 miles in 5 days. The car runs fantastic still. Every 1000 miles I'd check the oil.
Old 02-13-02, 11:55 AM
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My Rx-7 has been on many long trips over its life. Never had any problems even streaking across the nothingness of wyoming with the cruise set at 90mph.
Old 02-13-02, 12:08 PM
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Good to know! I am heading to a little lake in Arkansas for Spring Break, and I was wondering the same thing! Too bad I do not have cruise control...
Old 02-13-02, 01:46 PM
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I did 5 1/2 hours to Pittsburg was there an hour and drove back in 1 day. Didnt notice anything with the cars. It was freezing cold outside and I drove the hell outta here on the interstae up and down mountains.
Also 8 1/2 hours to KY through the mountains in 1 day. and back 3 days later.
No problems at all.
Thats was with 140k plus on my motor BTW
Old 02-14-02, 03:17 PM
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Where you goin?
Old 02-14-02, 03:29 PM
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you won't have any problems...i've done exactly 21 road trips in my n/a...7-8 hours each time. its been my trips from NJ-VA over the past 4 years of college...never had a problem...even now i've squeaked out a few 6 hour ones cruising at 90-05 most of the way hehe

i've done one 15 hour trip in my T2 and another 8 hour trip in it as well...
Old 02-16-02, 12:27 AM
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Yeah, where ya goin? I think as long as you don't drive like I do, July will do fine...


~Jesse
Old 02-16-02, 09:13 AM
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I guess I am the only one with a problem on a long trip. I went from home here in Indy in my old 86 GXL with 116k on it and went to Michigan (about 250 mile trip one way) anyway, I was going about 80-85 the whole way and the next day it never drove the same, I think the rear rotor was going bad and I sold it cheap! The main thing is these cars do use oil, so check on every gas fillup! Also keep an eye on the heat. I have had many RX-7's and that was the only time I had a problem with a longish trip...Good luck!
Old 02-20-02, 02:54 PM
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Originally posted by skibum9199
Yeah, where ya goin?
~Jesse
No need to be rude.
Old 02-20-02, 02:57 PM
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constant highway driving is the easiest miles on the engine.

**** 24hours of Lemans baby !!
Old 02-20-02, 03:10 PM
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88 Convertible with almost 185,000 and leaking oil cooler lines. Just came back from Huntsville AL, to Charleston, SC. Round trip over 1200 miles with city driving in Huntsville. There and back about 70-90 mph. I do check oil religiously but I have to. Changed oil and plugs before I left. Topped up coolant. No problems, no sweat,
Ralf
Old 02-20-02, 03:22 PM
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make sure coolant is up to par. fresh oil and plugs, check belts and let her rip. highway miles are the best miles for an engine. its the stop and go and turn off then start up again then stop then go then turn off that makes your motor at you!
Old 02-20-02, 05:53 PM
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In case anyone wants an update, she drove around 700 miles this weekend and the car is fine.
Old 02-20-02, 07:46 PM
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darn you beat me to it. almost time for an oil change now.

Old 02-20-02, 11:53 PM
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ive driven to OU and back countless times... cars drive nice on freeway! just add gas!
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