I recently purchased a 1993 RX-7 R1, knowing that it has its fair share of problems. I was wondering what you guys thought they were and what might be required to fix them.

1) Rough idle w/ the smell of gas in exhaust
2) I believe there is a 5th gear synchro problem as when I try to put in 5th sometimes its reluctant and makes a slight grinding noise
3) In 3rd gear I when I accelerate there is nothing after 4500 RPM. There is little doubt in my mind that the 2nd sequential turbo is just not there. Hoping its just a hose. Any tests for me to run, or do I really need a boost gauge?
4) I really don't want to say this, but I will anyway. There is also a slight tapping noise if you will, coming from the engine while engaged. If I put down the clutch and just coast it goes away. (I'm afraid of the responses I might get to this one)

I know a lot of these problems have been mentioned before as I've searched for them, but wasn't able to really get any definitive suggestions. Any help is greatly appreciated!!

Thanks

 

If you are comfortable working on cars a little, download the service manual and read up, also read the forum and check the newbie sticky at the top.

manual: www.iluvmyrx7.com

1) this could be several things, most likely is bad 02 sensor or bad plugs/wires

2) nothing to do about this other than rebuild trans

3) you likely have boost leak, most likely one of the intercooler piping couplings but could also be a clogged pre-cat or main cat, go buy a $20 vacuum/boost gauge from the auto parts store and some tubing, connect gauge to capped nipple on intake manifold and run through window to interior. You can check your boost and vacuum for cheap this way.

4) not sure, could be detonation but could be something else entirely

Get the boost gauge and check your boost. Take it to a Mazda dealer and have the compression checked (you should have done this before buying). Don't let the dealer do anything else.

IF you are not comfortable with working on cars or you find major problems, you might as well get the car to KD Rotary in Pennsylvania. They are one of the most respected shops in the country. Otherwise, post on the NE regional forum and try to get some local FD owners to give you a hand.

 

#4 sounds alot like a messed up pilot bearing if it goes away when the clutch is depressed..

 

Is the air pump still on the car or has it been removed? Does it have full exhaust? If it has full exhaust(dp/mp/catback) with the smog pump removed it could cause #1...

 

I think its a throw out bearing. the pilot bearing problem is when you push in the clutch and the noise happens. check out this link

http://www.mazdatrix.com/g2.htm

 

It does have a full PF Exhaust, probably going to be replaced shortly, pending my money situation after all of the repairs. And yes, its does still have its air pump on. Someone mentioned to me that the ticking or tapping noise on the engine is they sign of it neededing a new one? I will be picking up the boost gauge hopefully tomorrow. Please let me know if you have any other ideas!

 

#1 and #3, it could be that your flooding your engine.
BTW: Yes you do need a boost gauge, this should not even be a question.

#2: Sorry but your gonna have to get the tranny rebuilt

 

It says this:

"Throw-out bearing is bad if noise stops soon after clutch pedal is let up."

He said when he pushes in the clutch pedal the noise goes away, this says the opposite.

Not trying to argue just reading what he says and what that page says. It could be the throwout bearing though. IMHO it could be either or because neither the pilot nor throwout bearing symptoms described there really match up with what he's describing. I've had the problem he's had before and I always replaced both but thought the pilot bearing to be the part causing the noise.


Really either way throwout bearing/pilot bearing it's about the same work involved and I would replace both of them while it's apart.

 

By flooding my engine, I'm assuming your meaning that I'm running rich? Any ideas as to what is entailed in fixing this? Again upon doing a search I see that these are common problems but no one ever comes back on postings what exactly it was in their case.

 

where in new york r u from, and where did u get the car<--- off topic. unless the 5th gear problem uis unbearable u can wait on the tranny but yea i bought my car with the secondary blown and its over at KDR right now. its only like a 2-2 and a half hour drive from merrick long island.

 

I'm from Westchester County, about 30 minutes north of the city. The 5th gear shift is the only one that grinds, but the others feel very "notchy" and aren't smooth unless I match the revs perfectly. I was hoping to take mine to KDR since its fairly close for all major work, but isn't it a 3 month wait? I'd really like to get this car running well as soon as possible. Thanks for the advice regarding the pilot and throwout bearings. Any suggestions regarding a noise coming from the passenger rear? Sounds almost like flexing metal when the weight transfers. It's not the body itself, but was thinking it could be a bushing of sorts or differential? But my major concern is still the engine making a tapping/ticking noise. Could this be indicative of the engine needing a rebuild or would their be other symptoms I should be looking for as well? Again thanks for all the advice!!

 

well the 3 month wait is true but u should try calling and leaving a message usually he will call back in a few days and u can see if he can squeeze you in any sooner. One thing you have to have with RX-7's is patience. ur gonna be waiting a lot with these things

 

the first thing you should do is go ahead and get the full 60k service. This will replace all your filters and fluid so you know where you stand. Just replacing the trans fluid with synthetic might make your shifting much easier for example. It's also good to know the condition of your fuel filter and coolant, so go ahead and get it done. You can even trust a competent mazda dealer to do this much anyway.

Get the 60k done and see if any of symptoms are relieved.