Ok I need some answers from the more knowledgable members on apex seals.........
 

Aparently Apex seals are suppossed bo be changed no later than 90k miles. This is supposedly according to a Mazda Trained Tech. How in the world can this be true. Anyone some comments on this being truth or BS. Thanks in advance.

BS. The only need to be replaced if they are out of spec, but are normally replaced during rebuilds.

I think what he's getting at is that if you *already have the engine apart* for some other reason, above 90K you should replace seals, and below that, it is possible to reuse them, because they'll likely be in spec still.

I, for one, will not take a chance on being too cheap to replace a $225 set of seals. After all, if you have to point to one single part that fails most of the time in a rotary engine, that is it. In other words, the apex seal is what "makes it go". So, why skimp out on this part? I would not reuse any apex seal with more than 20k miles on it personally; if i've already done the work to get the engine out and apart, Im sure not taking a chance on a used seal.

sounds like a evil scheme by mazda to try and coax unknowing rotary owners into purchasing rebuilt engines when they dont need one...

Actually what was mentioned or stated to me was that every 90k miles you must change the seals. Hence a rebuild at 90k Not if you have the engine apart shoudl i do it.

IF he put it that way, then either a) he is relaying information incorrectly, and what was taught/told to him was similar to what I said, or b) he is just making shit up.

mazda doesn't train workers to build rotary engines. They are R & R. Mazda does not have a rotary building school. So my guess is the guy is full of shit

He probably got told that by another tech that worked there.

drive till the detonate lol

That's stupid whoever told you the seals need to be changed at 90K. It's not like changing spark plugs.
Also, it's not like timing belts where you **NEED** to change it at recommended mileage.
If the engine is running strong and well maintained, why would anyone pull the engine to go through a rebuild???
Your Mazda tech isn't a Mazda tech. He's a wanna be.

Doesn't quite make sense when you can pull it apart at 140k miles and your apex seals are still within spec!

Seems like Mazda just never gets on the Band Wagon with its engine components. For those of you that are old enough to remember, they almost killed the rotary in the early to mid 70's with the RX2. The dumb Asses when testing the motor kept tearing it apart and inspecting for wear. What the idiots forgot to test was the water seals, and boy did they leak at about 12K. Those jackasses just kept reassembling the engines with fresh seals thinking everything was ok. I personally rebuilt more engines that I care to recount. (Yes, I am older than dirt)

Now, if you talk to a Mazda Tech, he is as pointed out a parts changer. More over, their service people (I have an idiot uncle included in this group) quote shit, like replace the apex seals at 90K. My idiot uncle once told me that the corner seal plugs would wear out or become brittle and useless by 75k. I asked him if that means I should yank and rebuild per "his" specs. He thought it would be wise. What a fucking joke, that motor has never been popped open and has 155K on it.

Bottom line, thank god (or your divine being of choice) that we have a forum such as this to share REAL experience.

geeze, you are old!

what did you say sonny . . .

Hey I'm turning 40 thursday, I don't think I qualify as sonny :)

Happy Birthday!

:cool:

thanks. to remain on topic, that tech is screwed up!

Ive had a Mazda "master" technition tell me that my head gasket was the cause of my overheating problem a few years ago.... Basically when it comes to rotaries most mazda techs dont know Dick....there are a few exceptions, Ive talked to a very knowledgable one before also.

It really boils down to your knowledge as the car owner. I feel that rotary owners must know more than the average guy so they don't get ripped off. As an example, I was out of the country and my kids 7 broke down. The service writer at Mazda told him and my wife that the car needed a valve job.

I was in china when the told me about this. fortunatly, my kid knew more than the service writer and asked him to show a picture of the valves in the engine. The idiot whipped out a Miata maunal.

Long story short, your doing the right thing by asking here. Your will gain knowledge that Mazda techs dont seem to have. You will then be able to cut through the BS.

If you must take your car to a dealer or a service center, take the time to ask questions. Make sure the person working on your car knows what they are doing. Dont leave your pride and joy in the hands of someone without experience.

By the way the discussion in this thread brings up an interesting point. How is Mazda going to support the 8's. Are they doing a big push on training?

I havent heard of any special tech training programs. Kinda scary since the 8 can either get mazda back into the game or screw it even more.