macinslaw

I need to remove my engine this weekend to replace the apex and side seals in my 86NA. I need a tutorial, as I have never attempted this, on the easiest method by which to do this.

My 14 year old son and I will be performing this repair by ourselves. Also, how do I find out what size apex seals I have before breaking into it so I can get them before hand?

Thanks for your assistance.

-Scott

Adam P

iTrader: (19)

2mm unless yu have changed them to 3mm and if ur sabby go to autozone/karggens/pepboys and buy a HAneys book for mazra rx7 ...if yu have never tore a injin apart i wish yu luck its not hard unless yu forget where everything goes ....thats really cool that yu and ur son are doing it together.....i hope he's greatful for having a dad like yu...sounds dumb but yu dont hear about **** like that

rotorforce

I suggest you get the Atkinsrotary engine rebuild CD. It's perfect for the first time rebuilder. They sell it on ebay or you can buy it direct from them. Chances are your apex seals will be 2mm.

macinslaw

Thanks very much guys. I always wanted to do this kind of stuff with my Dad, but he was always too busy, so I wanted to do it with my son.

I've got the haynes, but that's about all they sell on my car. They can't even get the spark plugs anymore.

Thanks again.

Icemark

I never order seals until the motor is apart, so I can see what I really need.

Might be just a stuck seal, rather than a worn out/broken one

macinslaw

Good point, maybe I'll wait. There's a few parts houses and some RX 7 owners locally, not to mention an utter graveyard of 7's at the auto salvage, must have been 60 or so!

Thanks again!

adrock3217

WTF? So many?!

adrock3217

Uh, they lied to you. They are standard NGK spark plugs..try asking for them by model and brand, don't mention RX7..then poof! Magically they have them..

piercdawg

Look, I reall hate to burst ur bubble, but.... dont do it. Dont do it ur self. Pull the engine out urself, then pay someone who KNOWS what they're doin to rebuild it. Yes it may cost more as of right now, but when it better than messing it up and having to do it anyways when it doesnt run after u put it back in. I'm not hating Im just giving u good advice so u dont waist ur time and money. Trust me

swbooking

To tell you the truth its not as bad as piercdawg says, i WOULD DEFINENTLY reccomend the Atkins Rotary Rebuild video, it will tell you how to do everything step by step you can watch a part, do it on your motor, watch the nest, and so on that way you do it right. they tell you everything you need to. its really cool and detailed. try it out and i hope you and your son have fun.

Aaron Cake

iTrader: (1)

Take a look at this thread: https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showthread.php?t=374810

In addition, the Haynes and Factory Service manuals are great for reference. By far I think the best video is the Bruce Torrentine video available from Rotary Aviation.

WonkoTheSane

iTrader: (2)

^Another push for the Bruce T Video. I thought it was great, and very informative, while not being boring.

I'd have to say, get the video, and watch it, before you even pull the engine out. You'll at least have a better idea of what you're getting into. I do disagree with piercdawg, though. I highly recommend doing it. Especially if it's not your daily driver. You're going to want to spend some good time on learning how things are going together the first time, so don't plan on doing this in 3 or 5 hours. Take your time, it'll pay off with a lot better understanding of what's going on, as well as some more time with your son

It took me about two weeks for my first rebuild, but I only got to work on it an hour every other or third day, so that was sort of drawn out

so, in order:
get video
watch video
remove engine
tear down engine
watch video again
measure seals/clearances
order appropriate seals/gasket sets
watch video while reassembling engine (the bruce T on Video Cd version works great for this, bring your laptop downstairs!)
reinstall engine
smile, then get your kid autocrossing in the car that he helps work on, as soon as he's 16.

fcdrifter13

Videos+manuals+reading+basic knowledge+paitence-money=rebuilt motor.

It isnt really that hard. I mean if someone from WV can do it anyone should be able to.

Mx6-Rx7 Addict

I think the longest part of my engine rebuild was cleaning and measuring clearances. Find a good cleaner to use on the parts. I used NAPA non aerosol carb cleaner and 'Chem-Dip'. Both of those cleaners are really hazardous to your health, but worked great. If you have an engine stand, it will be way easier, and if you do you can get the adapter plate for the 13B, it will save you from headaches.

swbooking

hah yeah the atkins video is a little monotone and kinda boring (well actually really boring haha) im gonna have to look into that Bruce T Video... but anyways WonkoTheSane has the steps down perfectly for you.

macinslaw

WOW! You guys really came out of the woodwork! A lot of great info, thanks very much.

I've done pretty much everything on piston engines, and everyone tells me these are easier than tose to work on, so I really don't think I'll have any trouble. Worse case scenario, I get another used motor for 75-150 bucks.

Why so many at the auto salvage? I really don't know. All I know is that they have them stacked 2 high, 2 rows for between 1/8th and 1/4 mile. All the 7's you can stand. Getting anything off of them tough is a real pain, just ask, I know first hand!

I will get the video. My son and I spent about 2 hours last night on the car pulling everything out of the way and marking things. We have fan, fan shroud, battery, battery tray, belts, air intake and 90% of the electrical disconnected.

Next, I will pull the intake and exhaust. Then we'll see where we are. I have to work on it this weekend. My wife needs a car next week for Doctor, so I have to get this done. I don't have access to a stand, but I do have access to a hoist, luckily.

Anyway, thanks very much for all your advice and encouragement.

-Scott

macinslaw

By the way, Aaron Cake, Great Pics!!! Nice momo. Been driving it? Jealous-city!

on't have that much money to spend, nor that much time. This is going to be a quick in and out, fix the immediate issue, get back on the road, then find a motor to rebuild over the next year. Whew! Hope this works!

DerangedHermit

Damn... if you have extra time you can go scrounge parts and sell them on the board here. That'll get you a couple bucks.