I'm getting scared because all I read is how so and so's rebuild isn't working right, or had problems after a few hours, or has no power, or is leaking fluid, etc.

I know that the point of a forum is to ask for help, so most things that go smoothly never make it here - doesn't change the fact that I have a rebuild coming up (pieces are apart, waiting for the rebuild kit), and sort of would like it running nicely.

So, who's had a fully successful rebuild? No serious problems, started up & ran without too much convincing, had decent power, etc.

-=Russ=-

 

I've rebuilt 3, and 1 failed due to a poorly seating coolant seal. Just be careful!

 

I've only done my one (but had to build it up twice because of those damn stiff-*** RA seals popping out on me), she started right up, never stalled, idled lumpy only for a day or two, and now she's 1600 miles later and kickin *** every day. New rotor housings, and being able to take your time, are the pathways to success...

 

I have over a thousand dating back to 1975 or something like that. Its a piece of cake, take your time, follow the FSM, use one of the two tapes out there. If your not confident, I suggest going to Rotary Resurrection. He seems to be the fairest on the board.

 

what the estimated time for a beginer to do it with all the neccesary tools?

 

try not to get too wrapped up in time as two critical things must happen. First after disassembly, you must properly clean every part. Next you need to check parts you will reuse to spec. After those tow parts are complete you will have your shopping list. Some of the good online parts guys take about a week or so becasue they don't stock every thing. If you buy your kit from rotary aviation, and want to go as cheap as possible (lower end kit) you still have to wait ten days before they ship as they call this fact out in their web site.

I find that during the down parts time I get a bunch of other work done. Some porting and polishing to name a few. Also, if you need a rotor or rotor housing you might opt to find a core and strip it for parts as its the cheapst way to go. that can take 2-3 weeks depending on where the core is.

So my friend, patience!

 

how much actual labor time is there? no including porting and polishing. I understand the down time but have no clue how long it would take.

 

Just as a "for instance", I spent 3 or 4 months before the rebuild buying all the housings, kits, hoses, mounts, flywheel tools, etc...I knew I'd need..., something every payday basically...The car was still running good, so I knew I had time...Spent 1 1/2 days getting everything apart & the engine/tranny out, checking every electrical component, sensor,etc, per the FSM as I removed it...Spent 3 days tearing down the engine and cleaning parts (cleaning the stuff took most of the time)...Another day to clean up the engine bay, inspect & rewrap the wiring harnesses, take care of the rust spots on the frame,etc...Another day for the rebuild, then another for the reinstall of everything...Don't know if everything adds up from the above, but it took a total of 8 1/2 days from key off to key on, and like I said, I took my time, never rushed myself...

 

I will break it down by experience

ME
Removal 2.0 Hours including a few coffee breaks
Tear Down 2.0 hours - beer breaks
Cleaning 4.0 Hours - it is a pita if the engine is old AND you want some Bling
Spec'ing 1.0 Hours
Assembly to Short Block 1.0 hours if the front pac cooperates
Assembly to Long Block 1.5 Hours
Install 2.0 hours
Tune 0.5 hours

Now for a novice, at least double everything

When I did this for a living I remember RR and rebuild (cleaning was not so bad as most was warranty work) in less than one day.

 

anyone have the book time for this?

 

i was also looking into rebuilding my engine. what kinds of spacific tools ae there that u have to buy?

 

Only things other than common metric hand tools I used were the flywheel locking tool & flywheel nut remover tool from Mazdatrix...I have a lot of tools I call "common" that the normal guy on the street wouldn't, though, since I've been a mechanic for a while, so I'm inadvertently simplifying things...

 

mine is successful as of today

 

I would highly reccomend ppl to get their engines rebuilt by a know rotary specialist, or at least not attempt a rebuild with just novice mechanicle experience.
I just feel that if you have the money to spend why not have someone with years of rebuilding experience rebuild the engine. I mean although our engines have relitivly few moving parts its still an extremly complicated thing to tear down, clean, rebuild and then have it run right.
There are a bunch of rebuilders out there that a lot of us have experience with that do great work and leave ppl very happy with there engines.

Do a search and youll find a ton of good websights for rebuilds.

 

Engine rebuild longevity depends a lot on how many new parts where used as well.

My current S5 engine has basically new everything and has seen between 15-20 psi for 3 years now

 

Hm... I'm hoping parts get here soon. At this point I'm waiting on the rebuild kit & engine mounts. The Racing Beat exhaust parts aren't critical.

I really wish this car weren't my daily driver. Then it wouldn't be a big issue. But, it is, and my mom wants her Saturn back at some point in the next few weeks (and I want my RX-7 back!).

As for sending it in vs rebuilding it yourself, yes, sending it in is nice (and probably cheaper, in some cases). However, being able to tell someone you rebuild your engine yourself is certainly worth something, and in the process you gain a LOT more familiarity with the car.

-=Russ=-