Parts needed for a rebuild
Thread Starter
Darth Suppah
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 515
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From: So dubbed by teh Poops!
Parts needed for a rebuild
I'm preparing to rebuild my 83 12a and then my 84 12a and was wondering where the best place would be to get parts for the rebuild.
I've been looking at mazdatrix.com for most of my stuff. Is their rebuild kit a good one? Also, would it be a good idea to get new rotors/housings?
Both motors have ~ 150k on them. The 83 is still putting out some decent power, but the 84 is pretty much dead. Haven't run compression tests on them, but there is an extreme difference whith the butt dyno.
I've been looking at mazdatrix.com for most of my stuff. Is their rebuild kit a good one? Also, would it be a good idea to get new rotors/housings?
Both motors have ~ 150k on them. The 83 is still putting out some decent power, but the 84 is pretty much dead. Haven't run compression tests on them, but there is an extreme difference whith the butt dyno.
building an engine based on simple "parts inventory" is ridiculously expensive, but if you have the money - then, hey ... i can list everything 
however, if i'm reading between the lines correctly, then this is your first time building one of these motors, in which case, i'll say this. you have to pull the motor apart first to see what you're working with.
generally speaking, unless you blew up in a BIG way or had serious cooling issues, your hard parts should be fine. your rotors and eccentric shaft will be ready for action again with some cleaning and detailed care. your side housings may or may not need to be lapped/resurfaced, but should be up to another go as a part of the team. the rotor housings are a tough call - if they shows cracks in the spark plugs areas or they're missing chrome, i usually toss them! however, depending on budget and CIRCUMSTANCES, i might re-use them if they're not too bad. that's it for hard parts. the simple fact is that it's getting harder to find 12A rotor housings in good shape (at least it's hard for me to find because i'm still looking for a pair) - maybe new housings are an option, maybe not. i don't know your situation.
quick aside: if you're going to be porting the motor - get a 13B oil pump for it.
in terms of seals and springs, if you can replace everything, then just get a rebuild kit. you mentioned Mazdatrix, i believe all they do is sell a factory kit for less than what a dealer would charge - i don't think it's THEIR kit. you may want to shop around.
if you opt not to get the kit, then you MUST replace the oil seals on the rotor and the water seals for the housings - no getting around that. everything else i guess you could check the clearances and specs, but at least get new springs for them.
as for the engines, you said the '84 is a bit tired, so do that one. i'd leave the '83 alone until it needs attention. 150K miles in itself won't kill it. abuse WILL.
hope this helps ...
1
however, if i'm reading between the lines correctly, then this is your first time building one of these motors, in which case, i'll say this. you have to pull the motor apart first to see what you're working with.
generally speaking, unless you blew up in a BIG way or had serious cooling issues, your hard parts should be fine. your rotors and eccentric shaft will be ready for action again with some cleaning and detailed care. your side housings may or may not need to be lapped/resurfaced, but should be up to another go as a part of the team. the rotor housings are a tough call - if they shows cracks in the spark plugs areas or they're missing chrome, i usually toss them! however, depending on budget and CIRCUMSTANCES, i might re-use them if they're not too bad. that's it for hard parts. the simple fact is that it's getting harder to find 12A rotor housings in good shape (at least it's hard for me to find because i'm still looking for a pair) - maybe new housings are an option, maybe not. i don't know your situation.
quick aside: if you're going to be porting the motor - get a 13B oil pump for it.
in terms of seals and springs, if you can replace everything, then just get a rebuild kit. you mentioned Mazdatrix, i believe all they do is sell a factory kit for less than what a dealer would charge - i don't think it's THEIR kit. you may want to shop around.
if you opt not to get the kit, then you MUST replace the oil seals on the rotor and the water seals for the housings - no getting around that. everything else i guess you could check the clearances and specs, but at least get new springs for them.
as for the engines, you said the '84 is a bit tired, so do that one. i'd leave the '83 alone until it needs attention. 150K miles in itself won't kill it. abuse WILL.
hope this helps ...
1
Last edited by diabolical1; Oct 23, 2004 at 08:19 AM.
if you want, here are some photos of my latest buildup. i need to update the pictures with the housings and e-shaft, but i'm waiting until i have some time to reduce. however, i'll be posting the latest stages as soon as i can.
My 12A rebuild thread
My 12A rebuild thread
this may also be a good idea for your rebuild.
not sure this link will work, so if it doesn't, then enter part number: 11810
rear oil pressure regulator
edit: okay ... i guess it doesn't take you straight there ... so just use the p/n
not sure this link will work, so if it doesn't, then enter part number: 11810
rear oil pressure regulator
edit: okay ... i guess it doesn't take you straight there ... so just use the p/n
Last edited by diabolical1; Oct 27, 2004 at 07:36 AM.
