Carpsycho

Hi everyone I just picked up this 1993 RX-7 and I don't know a whole lot about the cars history however the car is smoking quite alot while running seems to be a light blueish ,black smoke, it is for sure oil or gas it does NOT smell like coolant... I researched found I can do a compression test with the valve removed.. I did this and followed the directions : throttle was open, fuel system disabled, ect. Front and rear have 3 strong pulses and seemed ok.. I also took the overall compression (with the valve installed) and the readings were Front 70 and rear 85.. This seems VERY low however not sure if its important considering the pulses are still there? Any advice would be appreciated!

IRPerformance

iTrader: (41)

You won't get very accurate numbers without a rotary-specific tester but those are low overall. Once a motor gets into the 70s it wills tart becoming difficult to hot start. You may want to get a proper test done with a rotary tester and if the results are still low, start planning for a rebuild.

DaleClark

iTrader: (55)

Yep, you'll most likely be ahead of the game getting it rebuilt before it totally blows. You'll have many more re-usable parts for the rebuild.

Dale

djseven

iTrader: (56)

Not being extremely familiar with the engine, you don't have the ability to accurately judge compression by the audible pulses. The engine has low compression and likely a slightly chipped seal judging by the smoking and compression numbers. It needs a rebuild and you are trying to talk yourself into not believing it. Not being an *** but welcome to owning a FD.

gracer7-rx7

iTrader: (16)

In case you are looking for local-ish rotary shops:
A-Spec Tuning
Banzai Racing Home Page

What mods are on the car? Mileage? Which turbos? Pics?

Carpsycho

Thank you for the help! I do understand that its not the most accurate way of testing but just wanted to get a rough idea of where it stands.. How much does temperature of the motor effect the compression readings? I know the procedure says test at normal operating temperature it was still pretty cold when I tried.. I didn't want to run it very long if it has some major internal failure.. Gracer-7 I really don't know anything about the car... I was told very little about it however I know it has some aftermarket parts, I'll work on getting some pictures posted.. Is A-spec Tuning still around?? I bought a set of CCW's from them years ago for my T/A Firehawk.
Thanks for the help!!