Hi - I was wondering what I should reasonably expect to pay to fix a vacuum leak or replace the turbo if necessary?

I've got a '93 RX7 with only 65k miles and recently started having a problem with boost. Otherwise the car's in good shape and completely stock.

Acceleration seems to be normal in first gear, and boost appears to be normal in every other gear as long as I shift before ~4800 RPMs. If I take it up over 5000 RPMs before shifting, I get no boost through that gear, but boost will work again once I can shift to the higher gear.

I took it to a dealer here in San Diego, and they have confirmed that there is a vacuum leak at the turbo, although the turbo pushes "13 inches of mercury", but weren't able to give me an exact cause unless I commit to a repair that may exceed $10,000. They indicated that once they got in there they may need to replace the turbo, fuel pulsation dampener(?), fuel regulator, vacuum harness, etc., etc., to fix the thing right.

I asked them if they could just slap another turbo on and be done with it, but they said they wouldn't do that because it might not fix the problem.

Obviously, I'm not that technical, so I don't know if they're feeding me a line, or what... I don't want to sell the car and could pay a few grand to get it fixed, but their plan seems rather excessive.

If you thought that just putting a new turbo on would fix the problem satisfactorily, can you recommend anyone in/near San Diego who is proficient?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

This is a common problem. The second turbo is not being switched on. The "vacuum leak at the turbo" is really BS. There is nothing wrong with your turbos, it is the turbo control system that is the problem.

Solving boost problems for 50% of cases is simple, you see a vacuum line off or a other simple "usual suspects" fix. The other 50% take some time to check and test every component.

Once the shop finds the offending component the cost of the part even at the dealer shouldn't exceed $200 or so.

Sorry I'm not from your area so I don't know who to refer you to. Tri-point Engineering is in the LA area and is very good, if not a little spendy, at repairing 3rd gens.

I'd except a shop like Tri-point to charge you a max of $1000 to fix it.

Jeff

 

Turbojeff is right... the problem you experiencing is likely a simple solutions.
First of all, if you not mechanically inclined there's still hope. Try going to this link to get a contact phone number(s) for http://www.pineappleracing.com/
Call the contact number, ask for Bob and see if he's aware of a rotary performance shop in the San Diego area or up toward Ocean City. He'll likely know of someone, and he's a super guy.
2. I experienced a similar problem. The metal clip that secures the acturator rod in place, which inturn controls the amount of exhaust gas sent to the 2nd turbo fell off... and the linkage rod dropped off. the clip cost approximately $1.00. If you need one call Ray Crowe, Mazda parts... get his contact number from this URL http://www.malloyautomall.com/ Tell Ray Richar from Morristown, NJ sent you! He'll treat you right.
3. There is an acid test that will determine if your secondary turbo is toast. The car is put up on a lift with the engine running. The 2 10mm nuts that hold the aluminum intake pipe are removed and the intake pipe is inturn pulled out of the way to expose the "Compressor" blades of the turbo. Now the mechanic can use a pry bar or long screw driver to manually move the valve that feeds exhaust gas to that turbo. If it turns. The turbo is OK.

You really didn't go into enough detail for me to diagnose your problem. However, if you PM me with a phone # I'd be happy to help.

I hate seeing anyone getting bent over by dealer... ain't right!

 

Turbojeff & Karken29 -- thank you both! I appreciate you guys taking the time to respond.

I am going to start following up on your leads and hopefully be able to post a happy resolution shortly.

Thanks again -- you have given me some hope!

 

I have a similar problem... and i have posted a couple of threads, but have not recieved much help.. My first turbo pulls great, but as soon as i hit 4500 rpm, my boost drops to about 7 and stays there.. Do you think one of my solenoids is not functioning properly? an hose has a leak or fell of.. The actuator clip you were speaking of.. How do i test/look for that... Any help would be great.. Thanks.

 

Mobius 8,

Try independent mazda/honda in escondido. I think the guys name is Larry Scott. He is pretty knowledgeable on 3rd gen 7's. I dont have the number in front of me so just call information to get it.

By the way never TAKE IT TO A DEALER! Those dudes charge like 3x the price of independent repair shops... stick to the guys that specialize on 7's.


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