So my motor needs a rebuild and it's about $3000-$3500 to replace the seals. Ideally I want to just pay it, and be done with the car and get it back on the road, but at the same time, I'm debating in possibly doing it myself since it is a weekend car/project car and I think it would be a good learning experience.

Is there a DIY around here or something I can follow step by step as far as how to pull the engine, how to open up the engine, replacing the seals and putting it all back together and back in the car?

What are estimated cost of parts? It is a 3mm seal engine with rotors/housings only having 2000 miles on them.

Thanks

 

http://www.rotaryaviation.com/Books_videos.htm

 

Thanks a lot. So what it looks like, I can order overhaul video (replacing the seals) and the remove and replace video (pulling the engine)?

And then for parts I can order from there the 3mm seals ($280) and then I also need the O-ring kit? ($163) Am I missing anything?

 

If this is your first time, it definately won't be as fast and easy as you think it might be especially if you don't know much about the car. It's going to take you time. Pulling the engine is not hard if you have the right tools.

 

It's going to be my first time working on the rotary and I don't plan to have this done within a few weeks. I'm fine if it takes months for the project. I worked on my last FD, but I only dealt with the rats nest and the vacuum hoses There is a reason why I bought the daily driver, I just want to make sure I do it all correct haha.

 

Dude - pulling the engine out is not a big deal.

The problem is opening up the motor and putting it back.

Don't bother unless you have rebuilt piston engines.

 

Even with the videos? Everyone's gotta start somewhere. The only thing I've done on piston engines that is "internal" was a cam install.

 

You need a lot more than just seals. I replace every hard and soft seal during my rebuilds. Apex seals, side seals, corner seals, the springs, oil control rings, coolant o-rings, all should be replaced. You're looking at over a grand to do it right.

 

You should buy one of those rebuild kit.
Might as well replace everything since its open already.

 

What? That's like saying "don't even try to make spaghetti if you've never baked a cake before."

I've never rebuilt a piston engine, but I managed to rebuild and streetport my rotary. 3k miles, and it's running fine. The OP seems to have the proper "it'll be done when it's done, I'm not rushing" attitude, and I think he'll do fine after watching a video or two, provided he can read and follow directions.

 

Get the rebuild video and watch it first. Then determine if it's an undertaking you are willing to perform. Make sure you have the tools and the time to do EVERYTHING that is in the video.

 

this is my opinion, and the opinion of a few local guys that have done quite a few rebuilds themselves, there are some seals you don't need to replace, getting the side seals to fit perfectly can be a bitch, all metal gaskets will need to be replaced tho. why does your current motor need to be rebuilt? coolant leak? oil leak? blown apex seals? really you need to get the motor torn apart and spec'd before you make any decisions on what you need to replace.

On the other hand:
http://www.rotaryresurrection.com/3rdgen/home.html

 

If you are the same Hardhitter from the Supra Forum, that has a 3mm seal engine that needs rebuilding. It is the apex seals that have sagged, causing low compression, you are going to need to do a complete rebuild. You also think it is because of improper break-in, more likely it is improper lubrication, you need to find out if the OMP is supplying enough oil to the injectors otherwise the same this is going to happen again.

 

I have never opened a piston motor before and I have built multiple rotarys.

OP, follow the video step by step and refrence the shop manual. Take your time and make sure you do everything right. Dont rush and plan on your car being down for atleast a few weeks.

 

Take this as you will, but after seeing your posts on this forum and others, you dont need to attempt this. Pay a shop to fix it or sell it for what you paid for it and just move on. It is rare that I would be rude to a potential customer but some are just better avoided. Your actions on this forum and Supraforums speaks volumes. Good luck to whatever shop takes this on.

 

edit: not worth giving this guy advice. i looked up his thead on supraforums

 

No offense or anything taken DjSeven, I know it's easier and probably better for me to pay someone to do the work, but I'd like to take the project on.

I'll learn hands on and if I mess up then I mess up. I'm going to be taking my time and not rushing, like I said, it is a project car so I may as well do it myself.

To those that would like to help or have rebuild theirs, could you guys direct me to where to purchase a rebuild kit?

 

If you are destined to try it go with Atkinsrotary.com for your rebuild kit, if you are a member of the rotarycarclub.com you get a discount thru them also, atleast I think they are still running that deal. Glad you werent offended but you may want to pause before posting new threads and consider the image you are putting out there. There are tons of great people on this forum who are willing to help but there is already a lot of info out there if you search.

 

just do what I did, send the engine to a pro like IRP so you can have confidence it probably wont fail.

 

Thanks DJSeven

I know I probably don't have the best image right now, but I'm going to try and build it back in time.

As far as the rebuild goes, I'll see my options. I want to do as much as I can, if things get a little too hectic for me then I'll already have the motor out of the car and I can bring it to a shop. That should save a good amount of labor cost if the motor is already pulled from the car.

Thanks again

 

Glad you're keeping the car (again).

Now go watch the videos and go do it!

 

I just started the process your going threw, I decided to do it myself. Yesterday i pulled my motor, never done that before. It was pretty easy the only thing that i couldn't figure out (but search the forum and found it) was how to get the transmission separate from motor when i pulled it out. Some just pull it out with tranny but i decided to do just the motor. Research the "pull type clutch" and find that and its pretty easy. Today I stripped down the motor to the block. Im not going to lie it looks pretty intimidating to put it back together but I have confidence in my skills, or I may post a extremely frustrating thread and have the old farts call me an idiot but should be able to get the job done. The biggest thing is to stay organized and be patient and take your time. Good Luck.

 

Yea I am going to have everything labeled and put in separate zip lock bags so I do not end up losing bolts or anything like that. It will be a fun and interesting project and I'm sure I'll run into problems but in the end I'll know a lot more about the car and I'll be able to fix other problems later down the line. Did you just do it all yourself or are you following a tutorial/video too?

 

By all means, use the video AND the shop manual.

 

I definitely got the overhaul video, from what i've read its suicide to attempt without it. I used masking tape on ziplock's and numbered them and wrote down the number and what it was on a piece of paper so its easy to find, and put them in a shoe box in order. I have a bulletin board with a check list of all the major steps so I don't forget anything. The last thing I want to do is get everything back together and find that I need pull it back out because I forgot something. I also have a list of parts I find I need, and a tool list. and of course I have the "BANG HEAD HERE" sign for those times I get frustrated.