Newbie Q: Run only on Front rotor ?
 

I believe I have a bad rear rotor but need to drive the car 200 miles to a mechanic I know, to replace the engine. The car drives as long as I keep it reved to 2k rpm. Will I damage anything else ?

PS: I put new plugs, octane boost, and injection cleaner and it helped it immensely, but I still think it is fatal.

Get a compression test by your local Mazda Dealership first to see how bad your engine really is. I strongly don't recommend driving 200 miles, just tow it over there.

I got a test done and there is ZERO compression on the rear rotor. It is interesting how this engine died.. I was in second gear and as I gassed it, it just went dead. No clunk, no thud, nothing. Of course, I am still in denial, I am going to get a second opinion by getting another compression test done, before I plunk down $4k.

I reccomend the same. If you drive it, you could damage the Rotor, eccentric shaft, rotor housing, or a number of other parts. The compression test is a good idea, but if you know that its a rotor...then I would just tow it. The 100 for the towing is way cheaper than the 2000 in damage that you'll cause.

Don't Drive It!
 

If the engine poped that fast you have broken your apex seals (2 or 3). If you drive on the front rotor you could forced bits of apex seal into your turbo's. It doesn't always destroy them, I was lucky, but its not worth it. Thats to not mention the raw fuel going into your sump etc. IMHO

You guys are really good ! I am not even going to start the puppy to put it on the tow dolly. Did not realize so much damage could be done.. definitely not worth it.

Thanks again, and have a wonderful day.