mommaZ

I've been using this EXCELLENT forum for months to help with our current project (hubby and me). This is a resource we have greatly appreciated. Thanks to all who participate and for the great deal of patience I frequently see displayed.

We recently acquired an 85 Rx7, automatic, 12A, base model - red exterior, gray/black interior, no rust, original paint and interior. It had been parked for 6 years (not started) because the owner thought the u-joint was gone and finding a replacement u-joint had been a problem. We spent 6 hours getting her started (no prior rotary experience), followed by a big cloud of white smoke.

Lessons learned: The gas tank has a drain plug (good idea); it is not a Chevy - flooding is a major pain; don't just check the brake fluid - consider replacing the front brake pads AND cylinders BEFORE starting down a mountain to take it home (rolling smoke from front left wheel is bad when going downhill); sometimes the knocking noise is not from a u-joint (discovered after new drive shaft installed - yep, figured that out real quick); windshield wiper arms can rust in place - even after working for 2 months; most parts are not at Advance and Autozone - still can't find a replacement brake adjuster for the rear drums (one has missing teeth); finding speedometer cable and antenna took months; finding and removing rats' nests are a pain - and I DON'T mean the emissions rat's nest either - parked 6 years = jeez what a smell.

Been driving it for several months (with the window down), fixing problems as the occur. Current issues include shredding alternator belts (replaced the alternator, no overheating - water pump moves, air pump still in use) - tomorrow we plan on removing the belts and sanding any possible rust off the pulleys to see if that helps - alignment may be off, but nothing noticeable; rat nest removal - because every time the heater is used, the smell is renewed (carpet scrubbed, seats scrubbed, side vents cleaned, front vents cleaned).

Any recommendation of items to evaluate/repair/replace to return this little lady to her original functional beauty is greatly appreciated.

volcano

Sounds like you are having fun finding and fixing problems. I lucked out on mine, everything is in relatively good condition, except the seats and door panels, they are just hammered. I am in the process of finding some new seats the junk yards in my town suck and don't have **** for old Mazda's.

mommaZ

I've always had problems finding good seats in junkyards around here. Apparently if they are in good condition, they're the first things pulled. We spent months searching for original bucket seats for our son's 77 Nova. Finally gave up and bought racing seats instead - not a cheap option. Next time, I think I'll try refinishing them myself.

We live in East TN and don't have many RX's around either. We were in New Mexico a few months ago and found ourselves cruising through junkyards there. Found quite a few 50s - 60s Chevy and Fords, but no RXs.

Glad your baby is in good shape outside of cosmetic issues. Mine was worked on by a person who is a great mason, but a 'quick and dirty' mechanic. It'll take a little while to get her back in working order, but I think it will be worth the effort and cussing in the meantime.

FirstRotaryExp

iTrader: (3)

Where abouts in East TN are you located? Im a 2nd gen owner that lives out in Dandridge and frequents the morristown/knoxville/maryville area on a pretty regular basis and know 'most' of the rotorheads in this area and there are several 1st gens and 2nd gens you can get parts off of that im aware of.

Dorito-chan

LoneCorp

Sounds like fun.

mommaZ

I'm located in Erwin, TN. Just a couple hours away from Dandridge. Nice to know there's someone close by.

Rx7cntry

wow... sounds like you've put a lot of work into your rx7.....best of luck to ya : )

I did have one question..... my husband has a 91 RX7....it sat up for awhile before he bought it as well. After buying it all he had to replace i think was the fuel filter, battery,alternator/and belt, and clean the fuel pump/tank..... but anyway...my question is about the alternator belt..... ever since he's owned the car the alternator belt has worn out quickly...not so much shredding but more like melting the belt til it breaks.....I'm not sure on the reason for this, but i do know he has went through a lot of alternator belts

FirstRotaryExp

iTrader: (3)

Wow yeah, 90 miles from my end of town to erwin, but that at least gets you someone with mechanical knowledge if something should arise. Oh and if you need 1st gen parts I think the knoxville Pull-a-Part had at least 2 that were somewhat intact.

mommaZ

Not an easy question, for me anyhow. I'm still trying to find the solution.
Melting is exactly what my last belt did. My fellas took the pulleys off this weekend, sanded, cleaned and replaced the thermostat (which was in dire need apparently as it was hung open) and reassembled. After a quick run to warm up the engine, parked it and noticed smoke near the exhaust manifold (or equivilent). Looked/smelled like we burnt out a rat's nest previously missed near the exhaust manifold. Guess it will be a slow process before I get all the issues resolved with this little toy.
We haven't had time to run it enough to see if the alternator belt rubber is disintegrating (coming off in fine black dust which covers the engine compartment) yet. Since the temp here is in the 40's and will be lower tomorrow, I guess it will be a few days before we're ready to get back under the hood.
I'll keep you updated on our progress and if you find a solution first, please share. I've spent weeks looking for a straight answer on this issue and it appears to be a trial and error problem/solution.
Good luck!!!!!!

mommaZ

I really appreciate the info, FirstRotaryExp. Knoxville is close enough for a quick round trip. At the rate I'm going, I'll probably be making a trip in the near future

Don't suppose you know how to get the side vents (driver and passenger) shut off from outside air for winter use? Both my vents are blowing cold air. I don't know if it is by design, or if something else has froze or been altered by the 6 year inhabitants (mice). Any guidance is appreciated.