My 86 RX7 has blown apex seals, any ideas on a new motor!!!
 

I just bought my 86 from a guy across teh street. I paid $1500 for it and now it won't pass inspection. Today the dealer looked at it and he says the apex seals are shot. I need a new or rebuilt motor. I need your ideas on what motor would be best and if you know anybody with good deals on these motors.

Thanx

A nonturbo 13b just like in your car would be the best choice. You seem to be new to the RX-7 world so i would suggest that you get a rebuilt S4 motor from Kevin Landers (hypntyz7) or get one from Atkins rotary or Pineapple racing. -Gabe

I am new to the RX7 world. So far I love it. Explain to me what the S4 motor is. I already talked to Rob @ Pineapple... I don't know what to do yet... Thanx

Is there any proof that you actually have bad apex seals? Like a compression test?

No I'm not sure it's the apex seals, but when I fill up my coolant all the way, after driving for about a half hour it all starts to overheat and then all my coolant turns into steam. Litterally there is no liquid running through the cooling system. Somewhere internally the coolant is being burned. Besides, it gives me a good reason to buy a new motor. Steve

Apex seals are one thing, but it sounds to me like you have bad coolant seals, similar to a blown headgasket on a piston motor. Either way the end result is the same, rebuild required.

I can set you up with an engine for $1000 plus shipping and core. Check out www.rotaryresurrection.com under FAQ and pricing.

Sounds like a shot water seal to me, not an apex seal. Could also be warped plates. Has the car ever been overheated bad?
Get a rebuilt engine that's stock but streetported (enlarged intake ports).

I just got online and checked out Rotary Resurrection and so far the 13B non-turbo streetported motor is the cheapest I've found so far. Pineapple has them too but they charge $1,995 for the rebuilt and $250 for streetporting. I'm buying a motor today. Thanks for all your help guys. -Steve

DO NOT believe the dealership, they just wnat your $$.

Go to checkers/kragen/schucks/pepBoys/etc.. and get a cheap comp. tester for $30.

plug it in the TOP (Trailing) holes of each rotor and crank it over (while holding the bleed valve on the tester) and look for 3 bounces. They should be EVEN bounces at like 85+ PSI ea. If they are UNEVEN, you have problems.

2 high, 1 low is a side seal :(
2 low, 1 high is an APEX :(
3 low is a tired engine or warped housings or bad housings or bad coolant seals :(
3 high is a good rotor/housing :)

ALso, run the car and observe the COOLANT OVERFLOW TANK, if you see OIL mixed with the coolant and the tank bubbles violently you most likely have bad coolant seals.

starting the car with the cap removed will tell you if your coolant seals are gone as well....it'll geizer (sp)..

I have a new pineapple for sale, never installed it, I have gone to the dark side of BOOST