3rd Gen - What is that hole above the spark plugs?
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3rd Gen - What is that hole above the spark plugs?
Hi all. Long time 1st gen owner and racer, now I have this beat-up 3rd gen in my collection (actually, she's got a nice body, but everything else is questionable). The car runs and drives, but I don't want to get crazy with it until I've done a full tune up. When looking to replace the spark plugs I noticed some sort of hole above the front plugs. What is that? In my uneducated guess, I would say a sensor goes there?
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Since you specified the front plugs, let me ask: Is there a sensor on the rear?
As far as I know, there should be just one and I think Mazda originally had them on the front. That said, if the car is otherwise stock, then I suppose it would be wise to get one if it's missing. If you plan to modify (or it's already modified), then I will defer to someone else because I don;t know if they are upgrade-able or used in non-stock setups at all.
As far as I know, there should be just one and I think Mazda originally had them on the front. That said, if the car is otherwise stock, then I suppose it would be wise to get one if it's missing. If you plan to modify (or it's already modified), then I will defer to someone else because I don;t know if they are upgrade-able or used in non-stock setups at all.
#5
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The car has one knock sensor. The same hole should exist on the rear rotor housing and should have the sensor in it, if it does then you have nothing to worry about.
Last edited by diabolical1; 05-28-19 at 02:30 PM. Reason: referred to potential sale
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Thanks, I'll check. It's kind of tight down there, even with the elbow off, but I'll look. Even if it does have a sensor back there, shouldn't I plug this hole with something?
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That would explain why I thought I might need to plug it, as it looked like it leaked something (I assumed oil) on the spark plug wires. That also means I have an empty hole where maybe I shouldn't. I tried to get a picture, but I had some difficulties with lighting.
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I also found two other things that probably need addresses. It looks like these two vacuum tubes should have a hose connecting them? Also, anyone know what (I assume) sensor connector this is and where it goes?
Disconnected vacuum line?
Sensor lead to...?
Disconnected vacuum line?
Sensor lead to...?
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Thanks for the info. I do not have the undershield. Stay tuned as I find more questions about this crazy beast. I've been reading through the threads posted in the main 3rd gen forum, but feel free to impart any wisdom I should know upfront. I'm very familiar with 1st gens, but there's not a ton of translation between the two, other than they're both rotaries and have 4 wheels.
#13
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You’ll need an undertray/belly-pan. It’ll run hot and likely overheat without one.
First thing I recommend (if you haven’t already) is downloading or getting a copy of the Factory Service Manual.
http://wright-here.net/cars/rx7/manuals.html
First thing I recommend (if you haven’t already) is downloading or getting a copy of the Factory Service Manual.
http://wright-here.net/cars/rx7/manuals.html
#14
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You’ll need an undertray/belly-pan. It’ll run hot and likely overheat without one.
First thing I recommend (if you haven’t already) is downloading or getting a copy of the Factory Service Manual.
Mazda RX-7 Reference Materials
First thing I recommend (if you haven’t already) is downloading or getting a copy of the Factory Service Manual.
Mazda RX-7 Reference Materials
Fritz Flynn should have one in Charlottesville.
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Thanks, I PM'd Fritz. I have the service manual, but reading a Mazda service manual is it's own art. I wish they had a Haynes manual for this car.
#16
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Reach out if you have any questions. There's several FD owners in the area
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I'm in Fairfax Station now - I should update my profile. I have a lift in my garage with high ceilings, so if anyone wants to change their oil or work on their FD, and would like to come share some of their expertise with me, just let me know (hint: I;m trying to bribe you to come over and inspect this car!)
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So I take it I should replace said sensor? Does the whole thing screw out? Can I get a new one at a parts store, or is this going to be an adventure?
Google answered my question on where to get it, but $250 from autozone?
Google answered my question on where to get it, but $250 from autozone?
Last edited by Shoal07; 06-01-19 at 10:49 AM.
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Another question a search didn't answer: How tight should the plugs be (wrench feel)? I can't see the 1/2-2/3 turn I normally do on my 1st gen because I can't get my eyes and hand on the plug at the same time. I basically went with "good resistance but not put some muscle in it tight"