I recently purchased an '87 NA in need of some TLC. I thought I was sure that the engine needed seals, but now I am beginning to wonder since each time I start the car it shows different symptoms. Here is what I know:

Starting:
Sometimes the car will start on the first crank, and sometimes it will not start at all. This is not effected by the air temp.

Running:
The car idles between 1500 and 1900 RPM's, and sounds rough. Throttle response is always delayed.

Smoke:
Sometimes, there is no visible smoke, while others there is heavy blue smoke. This has me confused, as I thought that if the seals were shot, there would constantly be visible smoke

I still assume that the seals are the culprit, but I just wanted to make sure that I am not overlooking something obvious.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

You'll need to perform a compression test to know for sure.

If it won't idle any lower than that and shakes, you're probably on the right track.

Give us a little history on the rig, miles, sitting b4 you got it?

Apex seals can get stuck down sometimes when they sit and a little ATF might break 'em loose.

Welcome aboard

 

If you have alot of blue smoke, I would suspect oil control rings. Compression test is a must.

 

true check the compression
make sure that your valve seats are good j/k

 

DUDE! Its a rotary it doesn't have vavle seats...but I think his rings are probablly just getting worn, either that or a head gasket!!!

 

startign and all might not be related to the smoke u are seeing, when oil control rings are bad, also knows as oil seals, that are on the the rotor itself the car will smoke on startup as it pleases. sometimes a lot of smoke sometimes mayeb not so much at all, when teh engien warms up they expand and it doesnt smoke as much, if its blue smoke its oil.
if you rcar runs pretty well and its smooth and has about the right amount of power then your apex seals are fine.
as to your startign problem, your injecotrs might be leakign causing the car to flood after u shut it off, so startign it next time coudl be a pain, try to depress the throttle some while u are cranking.

as to high idle, check your BAC bypass air control valve, read the manual on inspection and replacement

check to see if the TPS is adjust properly

those are a few things u can do to trouble shoot the problem