Tsuka

Well I've always loved the look of the FC's and the uniqueness of Rotarys so I came across a great deal and had to buy one... actually I bought 2!!

I got a Black '89 GTU that runs great with some body damage (looks like he backed into a tree going pretty fast... lol), and a Black 91 that looks amazing inside and out, but doesn't run. Picked them both up for $800. The PO was gonna drop the '89 motor in the '91 but gave up.

So far I've just been doing maintenance on the '89 so it doesn't break down on me. Spark plugs, plug wires, oil change, oil filter, fuel filter, air filter. Transmission was recently rebuilt, It has some leaks in the cooling system so I have to find out what's causing that. Another strange thing with the cooling system is the Add Coolant light comes on at Idle but when I start driving. Any other maintenance I've missed?

I'm probably just gonna take the '91 to the shop for them to swap in a 13B-T. I was thinking of ordering a JDM one online for cheap but after reading a few thread here I see it's hard to find one that's in decent shape. So I'm leaning toward just taking it to a shop.

Well that's all for my long *** noob post.

SpeedOfLife

iTrader: (16)

change your diff, brake, and clutch fluids.

might try burping the coolant system then topping off the coolant.

Tsuka

Ah, yeah, forgot about those fluids.

As for the coolant system, I'm gonna change the themostat, flush the system, put new fluid in and check for leaks. Also the top Radiator hose is huge. Is it always like that or is it swelling?

rookie117

iTrader: (1)

i demand pics!

micah

You are doing pretty good so far! If you haven't done so already, you should check out the vast amounts of data that already exist for these cars. The FAQ stickies in this 2nd gen forum are great, as are the sub-forum "2nd gen archives". Additional data can be found at http://www.rotorwiki.com, http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7, http://www.globalvicinity.com, http://www.fc3spro.com, http://www.teamfc3s.org, http://www.mazdamark.com... search around, good stuff everywhere.

staticpat

The sensor for the add coolant light is right on top of the radiator, so you may just need to top off the system. Try that and watch your level for a few days to see if its leaking somewhere.

SpeedOfLife

iTrader: (16)

it should be the same diameter all the way through it, if it isn't then it must be bulging in which case you should replace it asap.

make sure you get an OEM thermostat!!!! doesn't have to come in a Mazda box, but it must be specifically an OEM replacement. also make sure you position it properly.

Tsuka

Thanks for all the helpful comments and the links.

I'll get pics up as soon as I clean the cars. They're both pretty dirty right now.

I'm currently putting back together a Miata I tore down and was gonna build up into a Drift car, so that's taking away time I should be working on the FCs.

Oh and, I didn't wanna mention it before to jinx it but it just happened again. My right turn signal keeps going out. Like, some days it works great, some days the turn signal indicator and both lights dont come on at all. Really confuses me. Left turn signals have never had a problem.

phoenix7

so you got a crashed NA that still runs AND another NA that doesn't run but has a nice interior/exterior.

You're driving the running NA and you're going to fix it? and put a 13B-T in the non-running one?

Then you have a miata all torn up for dorifto.

I would try to put the NA motor in the Miata once your 91 TII swap is running. Good job on the purchases.

As far as the turn signals: have you checked the fuses? how about the CPU?

Coolant buzzer: as PAt said above; check your fluid level (it should be topped off) and get the coolant system pressure tested (either at a shop or buy the pressure tester) to see if it's a leak that can be fixed. Have you noticed any coolant loss since you bought the car?

Tsuka

I also have a '95 Corolla!! I have too many cars.

I havn't checked the fuses or CPU. I was just really confused that only 1 side would go out for a day, come back up for a day, go out for 2 days, come back up for a week, then go back out again.

Tsuka

I have it for about 2 weeks driving it to work everyday (only a 5 minute drive) and I've had to fill the radiator once.

phoenix7

maybe a bad connections that make contact one day and doesn't the next?? check the CPU.

have you noticed any white smoke?? If you answer no then I REALLY recommend getting the system pressure checked. My car peed on me when I did the pressure check and it turned out to be a bad thermostat elbow.

MmSadda

iTrader: (2)

Welcome to the club! You seem to know what you're doing quite well for a new guy.

As far as the coolant system- do what everyone else has said. My $.02 is this: You should make sure the wire going to the coolant sensor is completely intact, and not starting to break off right at the sensor. I had the same symptoms, and my problem was that simple. It's stupid, but so easy to fix.

good luck!

phoenix7

nothing is stupid when it comes to things like this, it's just so simple most ppl overlook it.

Tsuka

Well looks like I'm running into trouble!

I've been trying to start her up all day with no luck... I wore the battery down so I charged it up and still no luck, there's white smoke coming out the exhuast and it feels like it's almost about to start but never does. I've tried un-flooding it for about 30 seconds and still nothing.