Is my engine toast?
 

Hey there.

I have a '78 4port 13b with a streetport and a racing beat holley setup in an Rx3. The housings are new and ported by racingbeat. Exhaust is new, big, and joins over the rear axle.

I had the engine built by a well known builder in the area. I put it in and it started right away.

I went for a drive up the street and back with no problems. The second test was with a couple friends so I stomped on the throttle a bit. After I let off it started burping and popping and wouldn't idle or start.

The compression SOUNDS good and even when I have the plugs removed.

Troubleshooting:

GAS - I rebuilt and retuned the Holley
- swapped fuel filter
- Blew compressed air back through the fuel line to clear pickup in the tank.

Spark - Added an MSD 6a and installed it direct fire style to leading ignition.
- New plug wires
- Juggled the plugs around to make sure the leading has good stuff.

After installing the MSD the car ran great like old times.... I was about to go for a small drive and then it started to show it's old symtoms once it was warmed up.

It sounds like it's only running on 1 rotor.

I've run out of avenues to look for the problem.

How can I tell if there's an internal engine failure?

Compression test will give you a good idea, just because it sounds good doesn't mean it is.

Good luck

Sounds like you need to do a HOT compression test. Rotary Aviation sold some apex seals that were ground by an outside contractor and were overheated during grinding. The seals are flat cold, but bend when they get hot and don't seal. Engines built with these seals show the same symptoms as your engine.

Yeah, I'd love one of those rotary compression testers.... but without any way of getting my hands on one... I'm left to this guessing game crap.

If anyone comes up with some bright ideas (no matter how far fetched) I'd love to hear them.

Thanks for the input guys.

Kelley