What are the chances....
 

of me being able to work on a 3rd Gen Rx-7 myself in any capacity? I did not grow up around cars where I had someone to show me the way around. Short of changing the plugs in my motorcycle I haven't done much in the way of working on cars mechanically. I have no problem becoming a student of the RX-7 but am I insane to think that this is a possibility? I personally think I would be nuts to spend that much on a car and risk doing more harm than good trying to fix certain things. Also after a rebuild if the car is well taken care of how many miles can I expect to get out of a new/rebuilt engine? Thanks for the Help and I look forward to stalking the archives.

Everyone has to start somewhere. I didn't know how to do much on cars before I bought my old FD. Just start with small things, and never allow yourself to get in over your head. Build up your confidence, buy a shop manual, read around on the forums for walkthroughs on various things. In the end, it's just a machine - like any other car. Just take your time, go slow, read a lot, and eventually you'll be a pro!

+1, patience and reading is what you need to get yourself started...good luck

They really aren't THAT bad to work on.

Practice on another car if you have one.

Probably the most daunting task is the removal of the UIM ( Upper Intake Manifold) and conquering the rats nest. I feel that once you've accomplished the task of successfully removing then installing that piece of art, your confidence with working on this or any other car will soar.

My best advice is for you to download a shop manuel (FSM) and familiarize yourself with the engines various switches and components. The FSM does a pretty good job of explaining what the individual components are suppose to do. Once you learn that, then diagnosis becomes much easier.

I didn't know anything beyond how to change the oil when I got my FD. I have since had the majority of the engine bay out and managed to put it all back together correctly.

IMO if you have the Factory Shop Manual and the tools you can do just about anything on the car. If you get stuck there are many people on this forum who know the FD inside and out.

I'm 19 as well so it is in my best financial interests to do things right the first time haha.

I've always turned the wrench on my own vehicles, and I never had the benefit of a mentor. It used to be out of necessity (couldn't afford it), now its because I enjoy it so much. The 2 things that benefited me the most, were a FSM (factory service manual) for the car I was working on, and having the right tool for the job. I can remember changing out alternators, replacing head gaskets, doing brake jobs, etc... often times the night before I had to drive to work. :) There is a lot of satisfaction when you properly diagnose a problem, and fix it on your own. Not to mention you save lots of $$!

With that said, if this is your daily driver, then you may want to start wrenching on something else. At least pick up a beater to drive in case your car is down.

This post is the one of the very best I've seen for a first approach at working on these cars. The man admits he's willing to learn and needs some advice. His First posting! This is the proper procedure for beginners. Now, as the gentleman above stated, get the shop manual and start reading it over and over. You CANNOT perform a repair without the manual if you are a greenhorn at these cars. USe the search feature and study the notes. Over time acquire the tools along with the knowledge and you'll be proud of yoru accomplishments.

Like the man above said, I also do ALL of my wrench turning. But I've got 38 years behind me doing it.

later

Dyin4NRX7,
In addition to what the others have said I'd make two other recommendations.....
Be ready to put a few dollars away every month into a maintenance fund. It doesn't have to be alot, maybe $50-$75. But have the self-discipline to use it ONLY for repairs and maintenance. NOT for mods, toys, or upgrades. This is a 13+ year old high performance car. Even if you buy a good solid car, it's still old and can take a lot to keep it on the road. If you don't have the discipline or can't afford to put that money away on your current budget AFTER purchase, then you might want to consider another car.
The other suggestion is to check the regional section of the forum, hook up with knowlegable members near you, and most important, find the reputable Rotary speciality shop nearest you. NOT a dealer. In addition to cost, most techs working in dealerships these days have never even seen an FD and can do more harm than good. With motivation, the FSM, forum search function and local guys willing to help, you can tackle most things. A good rotary specialty shop can be a god-send though when it's called for and money in the bank if/when you do need them can make owning this car alot more fun. My .02. :)
Also be sure to check out the stickys under 'B' for buying.

Patience is the key (small hands also help!) I also put the car on jackstands even when working under the hood so I don't kill my back. Invest in a service manual. The scans found on the 'net are O.K. but much prefer the "real" one.

Good/right tools, PB Blaster, FSM, plastic bags to keep track of each set of bolts you take off, pictures for reference, and music. Everyone starts off somewhere. It is up to you how far and how much you want to learn. I am not going to stop learning about these cars for as long as I can help it.

It's very possible. Take lots of "before" pictures when disassembling anything. Once you start you'll get into it. Don't believe the weird thread about 3rd gen owners not working on their cars, it isn't true. If you want something done right it's best to do it yourself.

You live pretty close to me. FDs are growing around here :D

I'm a horrible mechanic, but I know some great ones that aren't too far from here.

I may not be able to help you work on it, but I sure as hell can help you break it :D

Find a friend that knows how to work on cars, not just somebody that thinks they know cars. It usually easy enough to tell them apart. Maybe there is a local RX7 club, thats a great place to start and you can always find somebody that is willing to help a new owner out. Check the local section of the rx7club out, maybe you will find a meet going on, even if you dont have the car yet just show up and check out theirs. Tell them you are looking at getting one. RX7 owners are always excited to tell you the pros and cons of their cars and what to look out for.

There's no local RX-7 clubs around here, unfortunately. However Dave(dgeeseman) does live in the OPs area. He knows a lot, but I'm not sure if he's the type to get dirty under the hood. Either way he's a great guy and I'm glad he lives so close to me :D

Start one then :D

:D I'd like to. Everyone's just so lazy. Noone wants to meet, so w/e...The closest thing we've had to a meet in Lancaster, that I'm aware of, is one time, an FC owner and I went to get a couple beers and a bite to eat at a local dive bar. I drive my Saturn and he drove his Taurus :lol:

Obviously it helps if you are at least semi-mechanically inclined. I know people that despite their best intentions and efforts, are just not cut out to be anywhere near anything mechanical, especially automotive.
Now, provided you have some basic skills and more than a little common sense, working on a car, ANY car, is a very rewarding experience. There simply are few things more personally satisfying than completing a task, especially one that has challenged you, and to have it all work perfectly. A person can and should take great pride in being able to do these things.
The FD is no more hard to work on than any other modern car, meaning expect limited access, no room to work, requirement for a variety of special (read: expensive) tools, and a place to work on it. It also WILL require a good amount of dollars to be spent, depending on condition when purchased.
Once in tip-top shape, with a new or relatively fresh engine that has the basic "reliability mods" done, you can expect upwards of 100,000 miles of relatively trouble free motoring.

Hey Guys, Thank you all so much for your input and guidance. I found the FSM you can download off the net but somethings tells me work would be none too pleased if I printed it out here. Can anyone direct me as to where I could purchase a hard copy of the book? Thanks.

Getting an FD to tool on is like picking up a guitar to play Jimi Hendrix solos. Not easy to say the least but very rewarding lol.

Haha Great analogy. I have made that mistake. But after you work on that Hendrix solo awhile any lesser solo becomes a breeze. Just like surfing if you learn on a small board the learning curve is severe but worth it and you only have to buy the board once...worth it for me any how! Thanks

No more free tires for you for that comment!!!

My only limitation in getting dirty is what's allowed in my condo garage. I've changed and rebuilt a transmission, changed oil pans on the truck, done the rats nest job (twice), and just did my FD fuel filter in the parking lot at Fedex Field a couple weeks ago. :P

To the OP, yes it's very possible to learn as you go. Just don't expect to have it done in a particular schedule, budget time/money for more tools, read in advance about what's ahead. During the job, take pause and ask questions or do more research if/when you run into unexpected difficulty. And don't buy a project car. Do your learning on maintenance work, then branch out into troubleshooting and rebuilding later.

Dave

They come up for sale in the 3rd. gen. parts-for- sale section of this forum occasionally. You could also post a WTB (Want To Buy) thread.