HI all
This is my first time owning a 94 RX-7 touring. The body in perfect and it has low miles (18k) but it has been sitting for 9 year , so its badly rusted internally. I'm trying to remove the engine but I can't get the flywheel or main shaft to rotate to get to the bolts on the pressure plate. Is there any other way to get the engine out or will I have to take the transmission out with the engine? I have removed the bolts that hold the transmission to the engine and the engine mounts. Then I started to lift it, it started to come apart a little bit but then got hung up on something. Is the thing I'm getting hung up on the bolts that are on the pressure plate? Thank you all and any help would be great.

 

you have to disengage the release collar on your pressure plate. Its a pull style clutch and there is a ring/collar on the fingers of the pressure plate that needs to be disengage so that you can pull the tranny away from the motor (in your case it would be pulling the engine away from the tranny)

 

oh ok. That's what I thought but was really not sure at all. Thank you very much.

 

Youtube has a video on how to release the pull type throwout bearing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPCi4RpGQCU. You will need to get the engine pushed back to mate with the transmission. This will make it easier to release the bearing in case it is in a bind. The access plate is on the transmission, you will need a light and a flathead screwdriver to release the collar.

 

Sounds like the rotor(s) are frozen? Have you tried to squirt an once or so of ATF fluid into each rotor through the spark plug hole and let it soak over night so see if it can be unstuck for rotation?

It all depends on what you intend to do, if changing the flywheel to aftermarket or replacing the clutch/pressure plate (don't know what condition it may be) although from your post has only 18k miles, I'll be hesitant on thinking its still in prinstine condition?

The clutch/pressure plate may be rusted to after 9 years and who knows what the previous owner may have done to the FD. I've seen clutch assembly all messed up when owners claim very low mileage on it.

So, I would recommend you take out the engine and tranny together in one piece. It is allot easier to remove and install the previous mentioned components if needed. You'll probably spend a extra hour or two, but is well worth the time instead of wrestling with a beast with the tranny still in place.

I've done 5 engine/.tranny removal and replacement so far...just my two cents.

good luck

 

Thank you for all the information. By perfect I meant body wise. I want to remove the engine first cause I have everything unbolted except for the pull type clutch. In the end I will have to remove the tranny too sadly. One more thing you guys might help me with. When I step on the clutch pedal it will go to the floor very easily with no resistance and when I take my foot off, it does not come back up. The fluid is full, plus when I press it, it doesn't seen to be engaging. What could that be?

 

Slave and master cylinder, replace them and enjoy a life of problemless clutch engaging...

 

lol, you and me are sorta in same situation. Mines been sitting for 12 years tho..and the body isn't perfect. Mind if I ask how much you picked it up for?

 

The guy didnt even have a for sale sign on it. I saw it had no lisence plate on it so my girlfriend at the time told me to put a note on it so I did and the guy called me. He want 4 thousand for it but with the clutch not engaging and the car not starting, he took 5 hundred off. So I got it for 35 hundred. The guy was older about 50 years in age so I doubt he beat on it but you never know.

 

Ok so I got to the pull type clutch and the release collar. Went to push it down with the screwdiver and the damn thing wont move at all. The tranny in mated with the engine and the clutch pedal is up. I dont want to force it. Even if I take the tranny and engine out as a whole, how will I get them apart when they are out? Oh and just alittle info, I dont have a garage. I'm doing this all out side on the dirt. Thank you guys for all the help but I think the rotary gods are not on my side.

 

Just use the inspection hole and undo the bolts to the pressure plate. Turn the engine by hand to rotate the flywheel to get each bolt.

 

I would but the whole thing is rusted. Nothing moves at all but thank you.

 

You have two options then:

1. Remove the tranny with the engine. You'll have easier access to separate the tranny.
2. Try to put some oil or MMO into the chambers to loosen up the engine and get it to turn by hand to get at the bolts.

Personally, I would just pull the tranny with the engine.

 

Well I'm gonna try the oil in the chambers and hope for the best. Thank you again.

 

I wonder if this guy ever got his engine out or his car running? Anybody know?