DC Region Track Weekend - Date/Location TBD
07-05-12, 08:33 AM
#26
Hey Mike, sorry I've been busy lately and haven't been able to respond to this.
There are a couple of things bothering me about this:
I agree with Matt, such tight grouping on all faces is a bit odd. Obviously you haven't blown a seal or anything (unless you blew all of them). I have a feeling that your engine may just be gummed up or something. Did they look at it when they had it apart? how much carbon build up was in it? Have you tried the steam clean thing? Alternatively, do you premix? Maybe the seals haven't gotten fully wetted out by oil? Did the engine get flooded at some point? or is it getting flooded continuously by too much fuel?
Have you called IRP and asked them about it? Assuming that they drove it for a bit, I have to imagine that an engine with such low compression it would have been noticed. Did they say anything about it being under-powered?
All in all, I would put money on it not being blown (not a lot of money, but some
). I cant see such tight grouping of compression numbers on a relatively low mileage engine being anything but poor sealing by all seals. My shot in the dark is that they don't have enough oil on them to make proper seal.
I could be wrong, but I'd hop on the phone and get some opinions before I'd run to get the thing rebuilt.
There are a couple of things bothering me about this:
I agree with Matt, such tight grouping on all faces is a bit odd. Obviously you haven't blown a seal or anything (unless you blew all of them). I have a feeling that your engine may just be gummed up or something. Did they look at it when they had it apart? how much carbon build up was in it? Have you tried the steam clean thing? Alternatively, do you premix? Maybe the seals haven't gotten fully wetted out by oil? Did the engine get flooded at some point? or is it getting flooded continuously by too much fuel?
Have you called IRP and asked them about it? Assuming that they drove it for a bit, I have to imagine that an engine with such low compression it would have been noticed. Did they say anything about it being under-powered?
All in all, I would put money on it not being blown (not a lot of money, but some
). I cant see such tight grouping of compression numbers on a relatively low mileage engine being anything but poor sealing by all seals. My shot in the dark is that they don't have enough oil on them to make proper seal. I could be wrong, but I'd hop on the phone and get some opinions before I'd run to get the thing rebuilt.
07-07-12, 09:47 PM
#27
Hey Mike, sorry I've been busy lately and haven't been able to respond to this.
There are a couple of things bothering me about this:
I agree with Matt, such tight grouping on all faces is a bit odd. Obviously you haven't blown a seal or anything (unless you blew all of them). I have a feeling that your engine may just be gummed up or something. Did they look at it when they had it apart? how much carbon build up was in it? Have you tried the steam clean thing? Alternatively, do you premix? Maybe the seals haven't gotten fully wetted out by oil? Did the engine get flooded at some point? or is it getting flooded continuously by too much fuel?
Have you called IRP and asked them about it? Assuming that they drove it for a bit, I have to imagine that an engine with such low compression it would have been noticed. Did they say anything about it being under-powered?
All in all, I would put money on it not being blown (not a lot of money, but some). I cant see such tight grouping of compression numbers on a relatively low mileage engine being anything but poor sealing by all seals. My shot in the dark is that they don't have enough oil on them to make proper seal.
I could be wrong, but I'd hop on the phone and get some opinions before I'd run to get the thing rebuilt.
There are a couple of things bothering me about this:
I agree with Matt, such tight grouping on all faces is a bit odd. Obviously you haven't blown a seal or anything (unless you blew all of them). I have a feeling that your engine may just be gummed up or something. Did they look at it when they had it apart? how much carbon build up was in it? Have you tried the steam clean thing? Alternatively, do you premix? Maybe the seals haven't gotten fully wetted out by oil? Did the engine get flooded at some point? or is it getting flooded continuously by too much fuel?
Have you called IRP and asked them about it? Assuming that they drove it for a bit, I have to imagine that an engine with such low compression it would have been noticed. Did they say anything about it being under-powered?
All in all, I would put money on it not being blown (not a lot of money, but some
). I cant see such tight grouping of compression numbers on a relatively low mileage engine being anything but poor sealing by all seals. My shot in the dark is that they don't have enough oil on them to make proper seal. I could be wrong, but I'd hop on the phone and get some opinions before I'd run to get the thing rebuilt.
As far as the seals getting properly wetted out by oil, a question I can’t answer, as well as the engine getting flooded, or flooded by too much fuel.
IRP is also surprised at my low compression numbers and are also on board with trying other ideas before a complete tear-down. They too saw nothing to indicate it needed a rebuild, at least while it was in their care. They did drive it for road testing, but for obvious reasons, couldn’t/wouldn’t hammer down on it.
I’m not crying foul at either shop I went to, but I would like to get to the bottom of this issue so I can make the power I want and enjoy the car.
Mike
07-09-12, 09:04 AM
#28
Hmm, well this is good. I would think it would help a bit with lubrication.
IRP is also surprised at my low compression numbers and are also on board with trying other ideas before a complete tear-down. They too saw nothing to indicate it needed a rebuild, at least while it was in their care. They did drive it for road testing, but for obvious reasons, couldn’t/wouldn’t hammer down on it.
I’m not crying foul at either shop I went to, but I would like to get to the bottom of this issue so I can make the power I want and enjoy the car.
I’m not crying foul at either shop I went to, but I would like to get to the bottom of this issue so I can make the power I want and enjoy the car.
I'd be happy to be able to take my car to either shop.
07-10-12, 01:53 PM
#30
Andy, good stuff!
Alright guys, here's the deal. This event will fill up and they usually start selling out months in advance. Those of you who are interested in going need to decide and commit/register/pay sooner rather than later. Let's get a list of who's definitely in (and ready to sign up/pay let's say by August 1st):
1) Matt (armitagegvr4)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Alright guys, here's the deal. This event will fill up and they usually start selling out months in advance. Those of you who are interested in going need to decide and commit/register/pay sooner rather than later. Let's get a list of who's definitely in (and ready to sign up/pay let's say by August 1st):
1) Matt (armitagegvr4)
2)
3)
4)
5)
08-23-12, 07:46 AM
#32
Alright unless anyone still wants to go to the Oct Summit event I'm declaring this a bust again this year. I'll probably be signing up for NJMP Lightning instead:
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...hread-1009152/
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...hread-1009152/
08-23-12, 09:57 AM
#34
Oh ya, whatcha welding? I'm totally thinking of investing in a TIG welder and learning how to ruin perfectly good aluminum. My MIG skills are similarly fearsome.
My car is still laid up. I ripped it apart and extracted the leaky steering rack over 3 weeks ago and ordered a replacement from Maval. Two weeks later it hadn't arrived so I called them and that's when they told me "we don't have any cores to build, can you send us yours?". RrrRrrRr!!! Customer service! So anyway, I hope that's all sorted in time.
My car is still laid up. I ripped it apart and extracted the leaky steering rack over 3 weeks ago and ordered a replacement from Maval. Two weeks later it hadn't arrived so I called them and that's when they told me "we don't have any cores to build, can you send us yours?". RrrRrrRr!!! Customer service! So anyway, I hope that's all sorted in time.
08-24-12, 06:55 AM
#35
I'm putting together an adjustable seat rail mount for the Kirkey. That way people of other sizes can drive the car too. I'll probably move the hard mount over to the passenger side and get another chair so that the car can have a passenger too.
I got a TIG that I can use through work. My welds so far have been spectacular
Good luck on that steering rack. I'd have a backup option lined up just in case.
I got a TIG that I can use through work. My welds so far have been spectacular
Good luck on that steering rack. I'd have a backup option lined up just in case.
08-24-12, 07:12 AM
#36
Ah, structural welds that directly affect driver safety. Fun stuff 
I just want to weld up some new I/C pipe bends to start :P I made one of these last week with my awesome H.F. flux core MIG:
How to bead your own intercooler pipes. - DSM Forums
Bought a rack from a forum member. Should have plenty of time to get it in and get the car aligned. Won't be doing any of the other projects I had hoped to do this year (bushings, coilovers, etc.) though.
I just want to weld up some new I/C pipe bends to start :P I made one of these last week with my awesome H.F. flux core MIG: How to bead your own intercooler pipes. - DSM Forums
Bought a rack from a forum member. Should have plenty of time to get it in and get the car aligned. Won't be doing any of the other projects I had hoped to do this year (bushings, coilovers, etc.) though.
09-07-12, 10:02 AM
#37
I just signed up for the NASA event on 11/3-11/4 on Summit Main.
NASA Mid-Atlantic - 11/3-4/12 @ SPR
Signed up in the RX-7. It should be ready. Hopefully my Rotary Extreme v-mount is done...
NASA Mid-Atlantic - 11/3-4/12 @ SPR
Signed up in the RX-7. It should be ready. Hopefully my Rotary Extreme v-mount is done...
09-07-12, 10:31 AM
#38
Cool, I'll think about it but not a NASA member anymore. I'm signed up for the NJMP Carlisi Memorial track day in a few weeks. Got my de-powered steering rack in - holy hell is it hard to turn at low speed with the big tires and a small steering wheel. Guess I won't be AutoXing the FD anymore 
09-07-12, 10:35 AM
#39
Cool, I'll think about it but not a NASA member anymore. I'm signed up for the NJMP Carlisi Memorial track day in a few weeks. Got my de-powered steering rack in - holy hell is it hard to turn at low speed with the big tires and a small steering wheel. Guess I won't be AutoXing the FD anymore
how big are your front tires?
and how did you de-power it, did you take it all apart and take the seals out?
09-07-12, 12:14 PM
#40
I hope it's as good as everyone says on-track because around town it's not great.
Front tires are 255 17's (still running old RT-615s, this will be the last event for them).
I had initially planned on getting a powered reman from Maval but they wasted weeks of my time not bothering to tell me they didn't have any cores to build so instead I picked up a a depowered unit (also done by Maval) from a forum member here. Since I still have my old core I may replace the seals myself or send it out for a rebuild and throw it back in if I'm not happy with this setup. I would still like to maintain AutoX-ability. The other option is a new wheel/tire package for the GVR4 and use that :P
Front tires are 255 17's (still running old RT-615s, this will be the last event for them).
I had initially planned on getting a powered reman from Maval but they wasted weeks of my time not bothering to tell me they didn't have any cores to build so instead I picked up a a depowered unit (also done by Maval) from a forum member here. Since I still have my old core I may replace the seals myself or send it out for a rebuild and throw it back in if I'm not happy with this setup. I would still like to maintain AutoX-ability. The other option is a new wheel/tire package for the GVR4 and use that :P
09-07-12, 12:22 PM
#41
Have you taken it to a parking lot and given it the beans yet? I hate parking the FB and turning at very slow speeds, but it is splendid on course. It (of course) was designed for not having a powered rack.
I know around here you see Maval this and Maval that, but would an aluminum rack off of Summit work better? May take some fab work but you are more then capable of that.
I know around here you see Maval this and Maval that, but would an aluminum rack off of Summit work better? May take some fab work but you are more then capable of that.
09-07-12, 01:12 PM
#42
Have you taken it to a parking lot and given it the beans yet? I hate parking the FB and turning at very slow speeds, but it is splendid on course. It (of course) was designed for not having a powered rack.
I know around here you see Maval this and Maval that, but would an aluminum rack off of Summit work better? May take some fab work but you are more then capable of that.
I know around here you see Maval this and Maval that, but would an aluminum rack off of Summit work better? May take some fab work but you are more then capable of that.
09-07-12, 01:57 PM
#44
Have you taken it to a parking lot and given it the beans yet? I hate parking the FB and turning at very slow speeds, but it is splendid on course. It (of course) was designed for not having a powered rack.
I know around here you see Maval this and Maval that, but would an aluminum rack off of Summit work better? May take some fab work but you are more then capable of that.
I know around here you see Maval this and Maval that, but would an aluminum rack off of Summit work better? May take some fab work but you are more then capable of that.
I guess the most important factor in a manual rack is the ratio. With the stock ratio and a small steering wheel, you have no mechanical advantage. Trade it for a rack with 3 or 4 turns lock-to-lock and it'll be easy to turn at low speeds but feel like driving a bus at high speeds.
09-07-12, 02:30 PM
#46
I've been trying to get a new diff for the FB but I really need to install new wheel bearings and a passenger seat before I can do any track stuff in it. I've been spending all my money on other cars recently so haven't been giving it as much attention as it deserves.
09-13-12, 08:45 AM
#47
[QUOTE=mrhetrick;11150071]How bad would it suck if I had blown all of the seals….HA. Apart from the low compression numbers, I couldn’t say if the engine is gummed up or not. No internal work was done on the engine itself, so there was never an “inside look”. I have not tried the steam clean approach, but now that I have the water/meth system up and running, it should be cleaning out the internals….I hope. Yes I premix at every fill up with Protek R. The prescribed amount.
As far as the seals getting properly wetted out by oil, a question I can’t answer, as well as the engine getting flooded, or flooded by too much fuel.
IRP is also surprised at my low compression numbers and are also on board with trying other ideas before a complete tear-down. They too saw nothing to indicate it needed a rebuild, at least while it was in their care. They did drive it for road testing, but for obvious reasons, couldn’t/wouldn’t hammer down on it.
I’m not crying foul at either shop I went to, but I would like to get to the bottom of this issue so I can make the power I want and enjoy the car.
Mike[/QUOTE
If its still running you didn't break anything. Its more Likely your OMP stopped working and if your running an after market ECU it wont tell you its bad and your only running around on the very little Protek R. Witch is probable not enough to keep the apex seals from wearing out prematurely. Is It running very rich?
As far as the seals getting properly wetted out by oil, a question I can’t answer, as well as the engine getting flooded, or flooded by too much fuel.
IRP is also surprised at my low compression numbers and are also on board with trying other ideas before a complete tear-down. They too saw nothing to indicate it needed a rebuild, at least while it was in their care. They did drive it for road testing, but for obvious reasons, couldn’t/wouldn’t hammer down on it.
I’m not crying foul at either shop I went to, but I would like to get to the bottom of this issue so I can make the power I want and enjoy the car.
Mike[/QUOTE
If its still running you didn't break anything. Its more Likely your OMP stopped working and if your running an after market ECU it wont tell you its bad and your only running around on the very little Protek R. Witch is probable not enough to keep the apex seals from wearing out prematurely. Is It running very rich?
09-14-12, 08:28 AM
#49
No, unfortunately this week my Alternator clutch grenaded in the TDI so I have been spending my free time tracking down parts for that and it's upcoming Timing belt replacement.
I had put a PM out to Electronblue on here about buying the replacement rear end for the car that he has, but that isn't shaking out in time so I'd still need to (at the least) replace the wheel bearings. If I can get that sorted, I could probably just buy the passenger seat and harness new, but the mechanical stuff is first priority.
How late is the latest registration they'll accept? I may still try to get all that crap done once I have my DD sorted.
I had put a PM out to Electronblue on here about buying the replacement rear end for the car that he has, but that isn't shaking out in time so I'd still need to (at the least) replace the wheel bearings. If I can get that sorted, I could probably just buy the passenger seat and harness new, but the mechanical stuff is first priority.
How late is the latest registration they'll accept? I may still try to get all that crap done once I have my DD sorted.