Has anyone bought this yet (the one for the 3rd gen)? Is it worth it? I've heard very good things about the Overhauling Mazda 13B tape, which I just ordered. I was thinking about ording the engine R&R tape, but changed my mind because it all seems pretty basic to me (and I already have my engine removed).

Paul

 

I bought both tapes and found them both very help full. I have never pulled an engine but have done many rebuilds so I found the R&R very benefical.

 

Anyone else?

 

I have both. The R&R video is an excellent guide for a first-time engine puller, but if you've already pulled it, you don't need it. I know it's supposed to be an Remove & Replace Video, but it doesn't cover the replacement in detail. Aside from a few tips, he pretty much says "Installation is the reverse of removal."

 

I have both tapes. The I followed the R&R to do replace my engine.
Pretty good videos.

 

great videos and well worth it for the "tips" that he puts in there. there is no reason not to spend $25 or $50 to have a professional show you how to do it. i'm rebuilding my engine now, and it is so nice to just set the tv up in the garage, hit play/pause, do it, and hit play again.

 

paw140,

I watched the R&R video again today (it's been a while) and have to change my vote and say that it's worth getting even if you've already pulled your engine. I'd forgotten just how much information is presented. I also found a section of the video I hadn't seen before (after the credits) that covers the re-install of the engine. Bruce really did a great job!

Best of luck,
Patrick

 

where do you buy the videos?

thanks
nick

 

you can email him at Bruce1071@aol.com and buy them direct, or through atkins at http://www.atkinsrotary.com/enginevideo.htm

 

Get them directly from Bruce. It's like 19.95 for the R&R and 24.95 for the 13B overhaul, plus 3.95 for shipping. That's cheaper than Atkins.

 

he'll probably give a discount if you buy both at the same time

 

BWAHAHAHA I hated that.

 

paw140,
Im in the same boat as you. I currently have my engine pulled and need to have it reinstalled. I'm debating if i should rebuild my engine..

 

if you have the time to rebuild the engine, and would like to learn about it, then you should do it. You'll probably end up saving money (assuming you don't need new rotors or housings).
If you would rather just get to the business of driving the car again, then just send it in as a core for a reman.
i just finished the cleaning and inspection phase of mine. i need to replace a housing (getting a used one, in spec, from Bruce T.) and need to have a piece of apex seal removed from the rotor itself (bruce is going to inspect it for me as well). aside from that, i'm getting a OH kit from him, and it's time to put the engine back together.

taking the accessories off took only a few hours, and the cleaning and inspection phase is what takes the longest. all in all, i'd say it took me 2 full 8 hour days to do it (maybe 3)

 

How much is it going to cost you in the end to rebuild it? I haven't tore my engine down yet (can't get that stupid 19mm pulley bolt, or the 52mm flywheel bolt off). But looking at the rear rotor through the exhaust port, the rotor is pretty messed up around where the apex seal seats. And I'm betting the housing is gouged. I'm just wondering if I would be better off, from a cost perspective, to buy a Mazda reman.

 

well, assume your housing is gone. a used one should run you $275 or so, and a rotor about the same - unless it can be machined to accept 3mm apex seals.

the tape shows how to use a 90 deg. piece of metal to get the flywheel bolt off.

anyway, as for my cost for the rebuild

1. OH kit - $1000
2. gasket kit - $150 (i think)
3. used rotor housing - $275
4. assuming i don't need a rotor and can use my old one
5. mineral spirits - $5
6. carb cleaner - $13

all the other tools, engine hoist, engine stand etc... i either had or borrowed (this includes calipers, dial gauge, etc..) -

so all in all, i think i'll save about $500 or so than if i just bought a mazda reman from malloy mazda.

also, i'm going to replace the clutch and flywheel while it's all apart ($900) and probably replace the vac hoses ($100) and put in a new small battery ($100).

basically, if you think you need a new housing and rotor, and can't find it used, and have to pay mazdatrix or someone, you're probably better off ordering a mazda reman and giving them your core. just ask yourself how much is your time worth - are 3 or 4 weekends worth about $500? on the other hand, you'll gain a lot of experience and the honor of saying you rebuilt yours

good luck

 

The rebuilding part doesn't scare me at all; as a matter of fact, I'm really looking forward to it. I've rebuilt several piston motors before, and I have some engineering experience, so I know I'm up for doing the rebuild. I can't wait to get the motor apart and see what it looks like, since I've never seen the insides of a rotary in-person.

That price sounds pretty good. If I could save $500, it would be well worth it. I figure a Mazda reman will cost ~$2100 at the least, and that would probably be from Malloy Mazda, so then I would have to pay a few hundred for shipping and returning the core. So now I'm looking at $2300...

I also have to replace the clutch/pressure plate. I'm thinking about getting a lightweight flywheel too, but I'm not convinced I want to do that.

Where are you buying your overhaul kit from? www.rotaryaviation.com has the OH kit for $900, and the gasket kit for $135.