Hi guys, I am new to the forums, glad to be here amoungst some of the greatest people in the world. I am about to buy a 1994 Rx-7 from a dealership, they say the car turns over just fine but it doesnt start. I am brand new to the Rotary Engine and i know just about nothing about them. I was wondering if you guys could give me an idea as to what the problem might be. I have read that seals blow from overheating, but thats just me guessing. Any help would be greatly appreciated, Thank you so much for your time
Sincerely,
Ryan Tumminaro

 

Do a compression check??

How much are they selling it for, and how is the chassis??

 

Get them to run a compression test (it's nearly free for them, and make sure they provide you a copy of the printout). If it passes, I'd buy it for as high as within $2k of blue book value. (Assuming the interior / exterior / rest looks good).

If it fails the compression test, or is close to failing, then have them price the installation of a reman engine. Knock that off the price - it should be a big number. Then take it to a rotary shop and have them rebuild the engine for a whole lot less.

Dave

 

Also check the main 120 Amp fuse, or any fuse for that matter. Could be something that simple.

 

Thanks for your help guys, i will deffinately check the fuses and the compression tomorrow when i go see the car.

 

they've probably flooded and fouled the plugs from turning it over and over and over...

replace the spark plugs, and when you have the 2 top plugs off, or 2 bottom off... turn the car over til it stops smoking, (about 30 seconds) while doing this, pay attention to the swooshing sounds that you are going to hear, make sure the swooshes are evenly spaced and the same tone. if you can get someone to turn the car over while you put your hand by the spark plug hole, feel how strong and how even the pulses are (make sure the spark plug wires are away from your hand).

if all goes well, and everything seems to be right, put the old plugs back on, and offer them half the price because "you think" you have a blown motor. call AAA and have them tow the car around the corner, replace the spark plugs with new ones, and drive the car home

martin