I'm rebuilding my 87 n/t that had 128K on the engine. Appears that the failure in the engine was from oil control ring seals going and was immediately stopped when it started to smoke. All housings are in very good condition.

There is nothing wrong with the rest of the internal engine parts; side seals, corner seals and apex seals are still well within Mazda tolerances. Most measure about right in the middle of the tolerance ranges.

Question is... would you re-use these parts? Especially the apex seals. What engine life could I expect re-using these parts? Is it common practice to re-use anything you can when rebuilding an engine?

 

Never never never reuse apex seals, unless they have less than like 10k or something. You can get new ones from atkinsrotary for about $200; it isnt worth your time to take the chance. The apex seals are what make the engine go, no reason to skimp out here. I wil reuse almost anything but an apex seal or a coolant seal if need be, but since oil seals are available from atkins for <$50, I would get those too. Bare minimum parts for any rebuild, IMO, are apex seals, oil orings, gasket overhaul kit with coolant orings, and e-shaft thermo pellet replacement. These parts will run someone around $400-425 shipped from atkins.

 

I wouldn't use the old stuff. Unless it was a recent rebuild. Otherwise get a rebuild kit.

Santiago

 

Oh and I think I just saw FC3S had a sale on Viton oil seals. I beleive it said 37 dollars shipped.

I hope that is helpful.

Santiago

 

I always have just replaced them too, but I am wondering why you are so against reusing them

If they are in tolerance both in the rotor slot and the seal itself, why not reuse the apex seals??? Are there microscopic cracks that develop or???

Have you seen them shatter because of age or, its you feel they are just like piston rings and should just be replaced??

Just trying to find out more info, from someone that has built quite a few more rotarys then myself.

 

Good questions Ice. I kind of feel like if they are in-tolerance than why not. I appreciate the $240 is well worth the insurance policy if nothing else but is metal fatigue a factor in whether they hold up or not?

And thanks as always hypntyz... we can always count on your experience and insight!

 

I would just think to buy new ones and not reuse the old ones because why do a job twice? you have the engine apart, just shell out the 200bux now and it will pay off in the long run. thats just my two cents. also kevin thanks for the driveshaft it works great