2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

How long do rotary's last?

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Old Jun 11, 2002 | 01:09 PM
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How long do rotary's last?

I am buying this $250 rx7 so I will have something to drive when I sell my mustang. Obviously the engine condition is going to be a major factor, but just in general how many miles is normal for these engine? What about gas mileage?
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Old Jun 11, 2002 | 01:13 PM
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n/a FI rotaries can last 200,000+ if well maintained.
turbo rotaries that have been abused (no oil changes) are lucky to hit 60,000mi.
all depends on the car.
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Old Jun 11, 2002 | 01:15 PM
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if you got a heavy foot, youl notice a drain on your pocket compared to engine size. taking it easy and gas milage isnt to bad.

as far as engine goes, the more you baby it, the less life it will have. i redline it once a day to keep the engine carbon deposite free, and change the oil every 4k kilometers or so. i also ATF the engine twice a year(look up atf trick).

good rule of thumb:

n/a - 200K
turbo - 150k

rough estimates here.
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Old Jun 11, 2002 | 01:27 PM
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Do not do the "ATF trick" unless the engine is heavily flooded. Doing it for no apparent reason is bad for the engine, exhaust, and environment. The "ATF trick" is to start a heavily flooded/carbon locked engine ONLY. It is not a maintenance item, nor a general fix all....
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Old Jun 11, 2002 | 01:29 PM
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Why would you even bother to ATF it if you redline it to keep carbon out?
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Old Jun 11, 2002 | 01:39 PM
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I got 249,978 miles on my 88 GXL b4 it ate a apex. The day it happened it was happily revving to 6500+ RPM. I went to start it and chunk.
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Old Jun 11, 2002 | 01:44 PM
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hmmm...

Got roughly 250,000 Kilometers (155,000 miles) out of the last engine before it needed a rebuilt ('89 Turbo II) didn't chuck a seal or anything...just low compression.

Pushing 300,000 kilometers on the car this summer ( I plan to park at exactly 300,000 kilometers for the winter just for kicks.) (about 186,000 Miles)...full restoration due in about 2-5 years on next re-build (Target is 450,000 kilometers (280,000 miles)...I can't wait for it to roll over to 999,999.99 Kilometers...that will be a hell of a photo. (10-15 years from now providing the SUV's don't bugger her up).

Last edited by PraxRX7; Jun 11, 2002 at 01:48 PM.
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Old Jun 11, 2002 | 03:14 PM
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Ive got 146 on my 87 tII
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Old Jun 11, 2002 | 03:21 PM
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140K on the TII engine before it was rebuilt (previous owner didn't take care of the engine).

105K on my NA convertible engine still going
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Old Jun 11, 2002 | 07:05 PM
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Originally posted by Aaron Cake
Do not do the "ATF trick" unless the engine is heavily flooded. Doing it for no apparent reason is bad for the engine, exhaust, and environment. The "ATF trick" is to start a heavily flooded/carbon locked engine ONLY. It is not a maintenance item, nor a general fix all....
Amen.

Steve
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Old Jun 11, 2002 | 07:18 PM
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~200K miles on my NA before the pulsation dampner failed, and burned up the motor. Fortunately, it's now reborn

PaulC
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Old Jun 11, 2002 | 07:30 PM
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Originally posted by vaughnc
140K on the TII engine before it was rebuilt (previous owner didn't take care of the engine).


i'd say thats not bad at all!
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Old Jun 11, 2002 | 07:41 PM
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Originally posted by Erik



i'd say thats not bad at all!
Mine has 153k on the original one. **** won't blow up. I'll see what it does at 17 psi in a few weeks.
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Old Jun 11, 2002 | 07:49 PM
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Originally posted by Felix Wankel


Mine has 153k on the original one. **** won't blow up. I'll see what it does at 17 psi in a few weeks.
haha...were u still selling it? or was that an old thread in the for sale section?
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Old Jun 11, 2002 | 07:50 PM
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No one wants it. Its like a stray dog, can't get rid of it.
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Old Jun 17, 2002 | 02:23 AM
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Only 95K on my 88 TII and it is probably looking at a rebuild soon!! Thats right, previous owner!! Took GREAT care of the body/interior, didn't know JACK about the motor! Now, low compression
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