I've heard from people that after you rebuild a rotary that you have to pull it in gear for a bout 3 miles with the engine off before you can get it to start with a key. I just rebuilt my first rotary ever and can't get it to start using the key. Do I need to do this or am I doing something wrong. I bought the Atkins video and did everything to that. Any help I can get will help. thanks!!!

 

It would help to elaborate on this statement. That is, does the engine turn over with the starter but doesn't start? Does nothing happen when you turn the key to start? And so on. With a good battery, and all the electrics and hoses properly reconnected during the engine re-install, a correctly-rebuilt engine should start up using the normal procedure.

I don't think it's a good idea to tow ANY car with the transmission in gear, but I wouldn't be surprised to hear someone suggest that's what you need to do.

 

Cranking speed is a big factor to build compression.
A jumper from another car helps.
Check the fuses (with a meter).
Recheck the grounds, CAS plug, CAS timing, AFM plug.
Check fuel pressure (It's easy to get the in & out fuel lines switched.)

 

It depends what kinda stuff you use as an assembly lube and how much of it you use inside the combustion chambers.
Also, tight tolerances goes a long way to start with good compression to crank and fire at the very beginning.
90% of my rebuilds fire on the first try due to the fact that I build them on the tight side and use only mineral engine oil inside the combustion chambers during assembly.


-Ted