Hey Dudes,

Im picking up my 7 from the shop in a couple of days after 2 and a half long long long months! , 88 N/A it is. Its had a full rebuild and was wondering what are some important things to be done to make sure the engine lasts and I dont end up blowin it again! What Ive thought of so far is a new thermostat for a bit of a safety insurance and a tune up. Is there anything else I should look at that needs to be done to properly maintain a new rebuilt engine perfectly? Theres no way im blowin the engine again. I talked to a guy around here who actually got his rebuilt and blew it again because he didnt have it properly tuned after a rebuild so.

One other thing, on the subject of tune ups and setting it all right, I have a microtech MTX8 ECU in the car and does anyone know if that needs to be fiddled with or set after a rebuild at all? Im gonna give the mechanic a call in a day or two, just wanted to get a few ideas to talk to him about.

Thanks!

 

If the car is running Microtech then it will defiantly need to be tuned after the engine is broken in. Keep revs south of 3-4 grand for 1000-1500 miles and make sure it gets a lot of run time. Break it in easy, so the seals will set in good and tight.

 

i would go with more like 3 thousand miles.
and your shop should give you a rebuild procedure.

 

Oil change after 500 miles and at 1500 miles...

At about 1000-1200 miles, you should see full compression and you can start easing it up over 3.5/4k....

Keep it mellow for a bit and let the seals seat.

As far as the microtech is concerned, you may want to do a retune on it after the engine breaks in....that is unless you haven't changed anything during the rebuild....If the engine is still the 'same', then there shouldn't be any reason to retune if it's already tuned.

 

Thanks for the help guys,

That honestly really really helps. I will clarify the figures and running in procedures with the shop when I pick it up and Il call him in a minute to talk about tuning up and the ecu computer. I think i better get the computer retuned with the car and all its fluids, etc. It was only getting something like 7mpg before I put it in the shop. Could be something with the fuel system, anyway il get it all sorted out, cheers!!! cant wait to start driving it again.

 

Do not wait until the engine has broken in to tune the Microtech. Immediately get the A/F ratios sane as the stock map is crazy rich and will push a LOT of fuel into the oil. You can rough tune it for now, then do the final tune after the engine has stabilized.

Don't worry about breaking it in easy. Take it easy for the first 500 miles or so, then change the oil and filter. After that, go nuts but make sure the tune is safe first.

 

Sounds like a good idea,

I probably should be able to find out more about Microtech in Aus but Noone knows anything about them around here, to tune that, do you know if you need a microtech specialist or an ecu specialist? Can a normal mechanic be able to tune those ratios with the Microtech? Im not driving the thing unless im 150 percent sure its correctly tuned. Then il go crazy. :P

 

Cooling system - change rad cap(s) too (Mazda ones), check coolant hoses, rad not clogged, fan clutch working, rad shroud and engine under cover in place.

Won't comment on the other stuff cuz I don't know. Oh yeah, def. change oil at 500 miles. Make sure oil cooler flushed and fins (also on rad) clear.

 

The Microtech is huge in Oz. That's where it was designed, built, tested. It's probably the most common standalone you'll find. If you can't find anyone locally, try http://www.ausrotary.com

A knowledgable mechanic could tune, but I doubt the average mechanic would know where to start. Honestly if you read a little bit on the Microtech forum you'll learn how to tune the light load sections fairly quickly. You can't cause much damage at that point if you do something wrong.

 

Thanks man!

Ill work on it asap!