2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

tips to crank an engine

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 25, 2009 | 11:22 PM
  #1  
Violent Gravy's Avatar
Thread Starter
LZR PEW PEW!
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Madison, Al
tips to crank an engine

alright guys, im getting my parts car finally to my house next weekend and i'd like to get some tips on what to do / help aid in getting a junked engine to turn, just to see if it can run as is.

my parts car is a 87 Turbo w/ engine and trans. i duno exactly right now how long it has been sitting, but the odo says 150 k miles. i've heard i need to lube up the rotors some to get it spinning, but what else?

here's a link to the car as it sits right now.

http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...86%20Junkyard/

should i drain all the fluids in the car before hand and fill them and try? what else should i do?
Reply
Old Jan 25, 2009 | 11:44 PM
  #2  
need RX7's Avatar
Listen to King Diamond.
Tenured Member: 15 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,859
Likes: 13
From: Sterling Heights, MI
I'd pull off the UIM, pour a small amount of oil into each of the LIM runners, put a socket on the main pulley bolt (17 or 19mm, I can't remember) and slowly crank it by hand. Then pour some ATF/MMO/Seafoam in there and let it sit for a while (crank it by hand periodically). Keep in mind it will smoke like mad for quite a while after you do this, make sure your neighbor's don't call 911 or something.

And yes, drain and replace all the fluids before attempting to start..
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2009 | 05:12 PM
  #3  
RotaryRocket88's Avatar
Top Down, Boost Up
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,718
Likes: 6
From: San Diego, CA
You can also add the oil through the sparkplug holes. You should compression test while you're at it too. No sense messing with an engine if it's blown already. Unless you're going to rebuild.
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2009 | 11:32 PM
  #4  
Magpie57's Avatar
Rotarymember
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City
All advise thus far is sound. Check the coils however you may. Put them in your running car to see if that car runs as well as with the original coils. This could be really interesting. I will be watching to see what transpires. Did you find out what the reason why it was junked? If it runs you will have a sweet start for a good rebuild motor. I eventually want to install a TII into my burro. You might want to pull the pan off the tranny also. I'll be rooting for you!! Mag
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2009 | 12:50 AM
  #5  
Violent Gravy's Avatar
Thread Starter
LZR PEW PEW!
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Madison, Al
thanks for the info so far guys. only one problem Magpie, i dont have a running 7 yet. thats why i want to see if i can get this one to do something. i'll ask them some more information about why the car was dropped there when i go and pick it up. but i have a feeling that i'll need to replace the coils soon. the car has been sitting w/o a hood and only a tarp on top of the engine bay for at least half a year (time i've found it till now). thanks again guys, i'll defiantly post pictures when it arrives and i start poking at it.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2009 | 06:25 AM
  #6  
Johny zoom's Avatar
Rotary Freak
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 0
From: Va
hey I just rescued a vert that had sat for a year, (see my $500 vert thread)
what I do is pull the plugs and add ATF turn it over a few times. If you get her turning over the second thing to check it the afm The will freeze up after sitting for a while . IF all this checks out then crank the car over and check for spark. and if it has spark and fuel you need to pull/ push start. this normally always works, even if its blown. youll know if it is .
good luck
PM if you got any questions
Johny
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2009 | 06:30 AM
  #7  
Johny zoom's Avatar
Rotary Freak
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 0
From: Va
I forgot Id drain the gas there is a plug on the tank and add 3 to 5 gal of fresh gas , I wouldn't worry about oil or collant as long as it has some in there.
No need to drain it yet make sure you dont need a rebuild first
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2009 | 08:52 AM
  #8  
g14novak's Avatar
The Doctor
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Originally Posted by Johny zoom
hey I just rescued a vert that had sat for a year, (see my $500 vert thread)
what I do is pull the plugs and add ATF turn it over a few times. If you get her turning over the second thing to check it the afm The will freeze up after sitting for a while . IF all this checks out then crank the car over and check for spark. and if it has spark and fuel you need to pull/ push start. this normally always works, even if its blown. youll know if it is .
good luck
PM if you got any questions
Johny
Personally, I don't like using ATF for starting a car but it does work just as good if not better than using oil in the plug holes, but it causes the coolant seals to weaken and even possibly break if put under too much pressure before the engine is warm. One side note though, make sure you change the plugs after putting ATF in and cranking it around. The ATF will foul out the plugs 99.9% of the time.

Besides that, this is probably the most solid way to get that T2 started.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2009 | 09:05 AM
  #9  
Aaron Cake's Avatar
Engine, Not Motor
Tenured Member: 20 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 29,798
Likes: 128
From: London, Ontario, Canada
This should help a lot"
http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/unstore.htm

No reason to use ATF at all. Just regular oil will do the job.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
trickster
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
25
Jul 1, 2023 04:40 PM
freq
Microtech
1
Aug 23, 2015 11:02 AM
freq
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
0
Aug 21, 2015 03:30 PM
elfking
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002)
3
Aug 19, 2015 09:48 PM
befarrer
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
4
Aug 14, 2015 04:18 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:17 AM.