what's up everyone ... i'm pretty new into the rx-7 scene since i just aquired my very own 1993 touring model, but i've always been a fan of the 3rd gen rx-7 ever since i was in middle school. I've finally just graduated from high school back in May '03 and for my graduation present my Dad helped me buy my very own REX with 52,000 original miles. I've just had the car a couple of days and i've already been experiancing some of the pains of having an Rx-7... I've read ton's of reliability horror stories online and even against my dad's will i fought to get my dream car. As of right now the car is at the local Mazda dealership getting a full diagnostics test done for driveability because the car idles irregularly and spews black smoke out the tail pipe. There is a burning smell comming from the engine bay which is accompanied with a BOILING SOUND! If i let off the accelerater the engine dies off and there is a sudden loss of power. while driving, if i step on the accelerator it wont let me rev up past 3,000rpm in 2nd and 3rd gear. i noticed however that if i dont push too hard the engine seems normal allowing me to rev past the 3,000rpm mark. still if i let off the accelerator the engine dies! in spite of all of this the engine still has a great oil level?! The car ran perfect when i first bought it. A couple days later i just remember downshifting slightly uphill from 3rd to 2nd and hearing popping sound followed by a scratching noise, then there was a sudden drop of power. i slowed the car down, let off the accelerator and the engine died out after the Tach started bouncing up and down from 500rpm to 1000rmp. i dont know what the hell is wrong with my car and i've been searching feverishly for a repair manual for the 3rd gen engine! As of now i haven't found one and i was wondering if any of you know where i might aquire one... i was also wondering if anybody out there has any idea what is wrong with my car.... i'm willing to spend countless hours researching and studying the 3rd gen engine. Please if anybody can... please help me! the situation is starting to seem desperate! i'm a full time student, working part time to support my very expensive hobby.

 

First of all, it doesn't sound like you're in a good position to be owning a car like this. That said, I'll help you here...

Some of your symptoms sound like the MAP sensor hose is disconnected. The MAP sensor is a small box mounted on the firewall above the master cylinder behind the intake elbow. Make sure the hose is connected to the bottom of it and connected to the intake manifold at the other end. Make sure there are no leaks in this hose. You will have to reset the ecu if this has happened. Do this by removing the neg batt cable and pressing on the brake pedal for 30 seconds.

The boiling sound is likely due to a bad radiator cap.

Ok, now a couple of points...

1) Why did you buy the car in this condition?

2) Get the car away from the Mazda dealer ASAP. In general, they are not knowledgable with these cars and can really make a mess of things. Get the car to a rotary specialist. Do a search for shops in the West forum. I believe C2 Automotive in Oakland is closest to you. I go to Rick's Rotary in Pleasanton. A far drive but he is a class act mechanic all the way. Tell him Tyler sent you.

3) If I were you, I would park the car and start researching this car like crazy. Read the forum and the links in the newbie stickie.

Good luck. There's a lot of FD owners in the Bay Area. Some of us could help you out as well if we can.

EDIT: BTW, you can download a 93 manual from www.iluvmyrx7.com

 

You seem to have two problems:
1) Check your MAP sensor - it is most likely disconnected - search on forum what MAP sensor is and where it is located (in firewall on drivers side, near brake cylinder)
2) Add coolant (if you have a disappearing coolant then prepare for engine rebuild soon)

Mazda dealerships generally do more harm then good to RX7. Take it to some rotary mechanic.

 

i didn't buy my car in this condition. i know it was just my very own neglegence as a new rex owner that caused all my problems. i take full resposibility for my car's condition. but in spite all of this i thank you for all of your help and input on my situation. I can't express my gratitude in mere words alone.