After about a year+ of dealing with and trying to diagnose a a multitude of issues including (but not limited to) hard cold starting, very hard hot starting, coolant loss, etc... I finally did a compression test this past weekend. 80/80/80 w/ similar readings on both rotors.

It looks like it's time for that rebuild. I'll be doing the work myself, with some help from friends.

Question for the group - what is the current wisdom regarding the various hard and soft seal kits available? At this point I'm still in the process of pulling the engine, so I haven't seen inside yet, but I'm planning for the worst.

This is not going to be anything fancy - the engine will remain stock(ish). No porting, stock intake, turbos and intercooler, stock ECU. 10-12psi. I'm looking for reliability and reasonable longevity. I'm also trying to control the costs. I'm not against spending the money that needs to be spent, but unobtainium seals made from Russian meteorite shards and powdered Dead Sea scrolls are right out.

For a while, the RA kits were popular, but then seem to fall out of favor. What are the current options and how do you feel they stack up?

Thanks in advance, and I'll try and keep this thread updated as the build progresses.

-bill

 

i like to pull apart the engine, and measure everything, replace as needed. it takes twice as long, but i feel you end up with a really nice engine (everything is in spec), but you only bought the parts you actually needed. in theory this is cheaper, but once you measure everything, you're buying more rotor housings/bearings/oil pumps, etc...

the other option is a mazda reman, they seem to come with all new parts, so its a good deal

edit: i like OE parts, they have better QC, compatible materials... in a street car they work.

 

If your looking to keep everything stock-ish, 2mm OE Mazda seals are good for reliability and longevity as long as you keep it stock-ish. But it depends on who you ask because everyone has a favorite seal. The OE seals are a little pricier though

 

Call Ray at Malloy and grab a reman.

 

A reman is an option, as is shipping it off to Rotary Resurrection. Does anyone know offhand what a reman runs these days? At one point there was some discussion on how Mazda changed their engine builder and the quality was a bit off - has this been resolved?

I got nothing against a reman - I have one in the FC, and it's been a great race engine. I am just a little concerned about the quality of the work.

Thanks for the helpful suggestions.

-b

 

Just let us build it with a set of E and J Apex Seals (formally ALS). 12 month warranty and reasonably priced

 

stock parts work well if you are looking to rebuild it yourself. The Pineapple coolant and oil seals are an acceptable upgrade but nothing wrong with stock.

If you aren't looking to rebuild it yourself or send it to a local rebuilder, Ray Crowe is the answer for a reman.

 

I went with a reman from Mazda dealer. Price was less than a major rebuild kit from Atkins, and reportedly built with all new housings.

 

This one is a no-brainer: Reman from Malloy. The last two I've torn down to port and upgrade were BRAND NEW..... yes, that's a brand new engine for less than 3 grand.

For what you're looking for, you can't beat it.

No need for any other apex seal, or to have any builder (myself included) touch the block.

 

Have they changed since the last time you posted pics of the dirty rusty insides of a reman?

 

^No, crusty as ever


I would just flush them out good with a hose before installation.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. I think that the current course of action is to get the engine pulled, open her up and, in the words of Jezza: "See what's what". The condition of the internals will go a long way in determining the route I'll take.

-b

 

^ While that is a good idea, unless you or your buddies have experience with engine building, this could turn into an expensive mistake.

If it is not built properly, you would be throwing away all the money on the parts, the time to remove and install, and potentially ruining other parts of the engine.

OR you could get John (allrotor93) to build it for a good price, have a warranty, and results that are known to be good.

When the engine went on my Turbo II, I considered going your route, and ended having it done by Kevin Landers (rotary resurrection). Had I known John was as close as he is to me I would have used him

Vince

 

+1 all new parts for under 3k is a deal

 

Does Mazda even make remans anymore? I heard they stopped about a year ago

 

They do, specifically with rotaries. I've also helped out some in the past (mainly cleaning parts - there's always a lot of that to do) so I'm familiar with the process. I also have all the tools at hand (air tools, hoist, engine stand, parts cleaner, etc).

Like I said, I'm certainly not going to rule out any options.

When I mentioned Rotary Resurrection, I was using it more in the general sense of "send it off to get rebuilt by someone" rather than advocating one shop over the other. It had slipped my mind that John's place was up near Asheville. Interesting bit: it's just about equal distance from my place to John's or to Malloy Mazda - just opposite directions.

-b

 

For your goals a Mazda reman makes too much sense.

 

You WILL spend more money "opening it up and seeing what's what" than if you get a reman from Ray. You'll also not likely have any sort of warranty if you or your friends do the work.
Finally, there have been literally countless build threads, from 'experienced builders' (meaning some who actually are and some who THINK they are) that have had their work blow up in a matter of minutes or months. So you have THAT to think on, too.

I went the reman route, but also had an experienced builder take the new engine apart and do the streetport work and a few other mods. My engine makes great power and has been bulletproof *knocks wood*. So this is an option, too.

In my opinion, unless you are a true, HIGHLY SKILLED WITH ROTARY ENGINES mechanic, who has ALL the right tools, I wouldn't do anything myself. Back when I did my rebuild I remembered saying to the Forum, "I've taken apart and rebuilt nearly every type of engine known to man, both gas and diesel, automotive and marine, lawnmower and agricultural and motorcycle, and surely...SURELY the rotary can't be THAT much different...?", only to be wisely led down the path I took. And I am SO glad I did.

 

If youre confident i say rebuild it yourself as i have with all my engines. If not, get a reman and be done with it...simple.