My first rotary. '90 GX 60,000 miles, white on blue 5spd 3rd owner...the body is in awesome shape!
I've yet to do a compression test seeing as i bought the car 4 days ago from an elderly man for 1500 CDN.

The symptoms include ;
- runs rough and doesn't hold a steady idle.
- exhaust leak at my catylitic converter. (noisy)
- it lacks torque and power.
- turning the engine off when its cool or warm shakes then entire car
p.s. the gas is over 1 year old. 1/3rd full, but I added injector cleaner, if it makes any difference.

I'm slowly narrowing down the problem with the help of my father and the manual by process of elimination.
The intake is clean, battery, alt. all in great working order (brand new-replaced less than 5k ago)
..I can red line it and it just seems to lack power..there doesn't seem to be alot of hesitation but enough to notice that there is a problem with either my air/fuel/spark or timing...

If there is anyone else out there who might have some advice or experience with the same problem or can simply just give me their two cents...
Thank you for your time, I really appreciate it!

 

either get the gas out of there.. or top it off with fresh gas or something... the shitty gas is probably most of your problem

there is a drain plug at the bottom of the gas tank i think... or just syphon it out... but old gas will make the car run shitty...

 

Yeah, exactly what he said. Gas can eventually loose its "fumes" and the fumes are actually what the car runs on. In fact, I have a pail of old gas lying around that I use to through stuff into, sometimes the occasional cigarette, while lit. It does not burn. So my advice is to get new gas.

And for the exhaust, you're pretty much going to want to get Racing Beat header to a presilencer. I don't think there is anyone on the forum here who would disagree with me. I run that set up and it gives a lot more power which seems to be what you're missing there.

For the loss in torque, the rotary has a pretty much flat lined torque anyway, so its not going to get really high.

Idle problems may not be problems if it is what I think it may be. When you start your car, even mine, the idle jumps up to like 3k the lowers as you touch the gas and release. and even goes down more as you drive a little.

And by the way, welcome to the rotary.

 

probably need a new head gasket

 

No way man, he just needs a valve job, cylinder hone, new glow plugs, and piston rings.

 

Don't confuse the newb. It's definately the Knuder valve assembly... or maybe the muffler bearings need rotated

 

aww man thats messed.....while ur takin gas out make sure to change the headlight fluid........and yes makes sure to grease those muffler bearings.......very good suggestion........

 

sorry new guy we are just messing with ya.......had to do it.....

 

Oh God that picture is hilarious! You can just see the ignorant ridicule on those children's faces. I'd feel like a small hairless kitten on the business end of that kind of ridiculing.

 

The folks here like to kid around some so please don't take offense. Lots of folks will be willing to help you out. Welcome to the forum and congrats on your new car.

I am on my second '90 RX7 ( 1st was also white on blue)so some of the following is what I have done or would do if in your place.

1. I agree with posts suggesting replacing the gas. If you have the skill it may be best to drop and clean the tank. With so few miles it was clearly not driven much and varnish like residue may be clogging the fuel system

2. Drop in a bottle or even a bit more Injector cleaner over a couple of fill ups

3. Replace the fuel filter only with Mazda fuel filter. Chances are the same gunk in your tank is in the fuel filter

4. Replace all 4 spark plugs (Leading & Trailing)

5. Flush and replace tranny and differential fluids. Get a Marine Lower Unit pump at a marine supply store. Mine cost $8.00 US. Places like NAPA and Advanced Auto want 15.00 - 20.00. Mine is made by LubriMatic, fits on all gear oil bottles and has a metalic one way valve at tjhe tip of the outlet hose so there is no run off.

6. Flush brake and clutch fluids

7. Flush radiator with commercial good quality radiator flush and replace coolant only with "green" coolant

8. Replace air filter

9. Take to a shop that is really qualified in RX7's and get a compression check. Procedure/equipment is not the same as a piston engine check so they will have to know what they are doing. You will get 3 spikes/readings per rotor. This may not be necessary but will go a long way in giving you confidence in the rotor seals.

10. I am assuming the "manual" you talked about is the one that comes with the car. Review or download the Factory Service Manual. It will be your bible along with the wisdom of the folks on this forum. You can get it at the following site. Find it in the "How To's" button
http://www.fc3s.org/

11. Use the FSM to check the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) and Bypass Air Control Valve (BAC) if what you have done so far has not fixed.

11. Review the FAQ stickey at the top of this section

12. Learn how to use the "Search" function at the top. Much of what you may want to know has already been answered in earlier posts. You may have to wade throug some post not specific to what you want but chances are you will find what you are looking for.

Again, welcome to the best RX7 forum, have fun with your new car, and treat her with care and respect and she will reward you with many miles of joy. Oh ya, don't forget to thank Dad for the help he is about to give you.

 

If you ran the car with year old gas, you should have the entire fuel system serviced, pump to injectors. Cleaner will not help in this situation. Never, ever use old gas.

If the car has been sitting, the 5th and 6th ports are probably stuck, resulting in loss of high end power. See http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/tech1.htm