So this guy I am buying this 90' rx tii from says that he believes the engine needs an apex seal replaced. The engine seems to have lost power and that is what he feels is the problem. I will do a compression test on it to be sure but if it is the apex seals, what would be the cost to fix it if I had the seals, some manuals, and you guys? Could I possible do this with myself and a friend?

 

Apex seals are like piston rings. Replacing them is akin to rebuilding the motor. A rebuild will usually cost a minimum of $1,500 - 2k on parts alone.

 

once u get it tore down and u spec all the seals i think u'll find there's more than just apex seals that will need replacing.

 

Sounds like the guys blew the motor and is selling it now w/ a blown motor. Take 2K off the price and expect to pay that for a rebuild. If this is the first one you have ever attempted don't expect it to work perfectly and may take several attempts. If you want it to run right send it off for a rebuild.

 

well the engine was rebuilt 14k miles ago. That being said would that possibly cause some of the components to still be in good shape?

 

possible yes. Somethings are pretty much resuseable unless catastrophic failure. Those parts are plates, e-shaft, bearings most of the time, and stat gears. If the motor detonated then the rotorhousings, rotors, and most seals could be junk. Rotors are pretty tough but with out seeing it i always suspect the worst.

You don't know what parts were reused in the rebuild.

I would plan for the worst so I wasn't disappointed if I were you.

 

yeah, the biggest fear I have is if the seal(s) came loose and is scarring up the rotor housing. I may just have to ship it to someone. I got the guy down to 2000 bucks instead of 3000 he wanted, but it still sounds like 2000 is too much if I have to rebuild the engine. That extra 1000 bucks will go towards that but I should still be getting more back than that

 

Cody, Just get some motor rebuild quotes from aroudn yoru area. take those quotes back to the seller, and show him the cost. If he will discount the car to cover it, you are golden. if not. Walk away unless you can find a used motor here on the boards. I hope this helps


Doc

 

better to buy it this way and build a good motor from day one

 

+1

 

It's a little curious that it failed after only 14K, so it sounds like the previous owner blew it up.

In that case, it is likely that you will need at least one housing, one rotor, and possibly a turbine. And once it is back together, correct the problem that caused it to blow.

 

Yeah, I agree. He did say that it has only been driven once since he realized the lack of power so the damage shouldn't be too high. It does come with a lot of extra parts like a spare turbo and Im thinking I could sell these parts to help pay for a good rebuild.

 

+2

 

I believe you will need new bearings too.

 

Noob question: Why will I need new bearings as well?

 

You can't go off the assumption you need new bearings. All that has to be assessed when the motor is torn down. Many FC's bearings are in great shape at 125K. I have seen many of them well w/in spec and good shape as long as the oil has been changed regularly.

 

well after I buy the vehicle, do a compression test, (assuming it fails) and tear down the engine, I will create another thread asking what I need to be looking for, basically all I know how to assess the damage of is the rotor housing. Another guy who have rebuilt a ton of rotaries told me I'll most likely need to replace coolant seals

 

A rotary mechanic by me said it was recommended to change the bearings...but it's not a necessity. I'm not a mechanic or a rotary expert, by the way...so take my advise with a grain of salt.

 

well they are fairly inexpensive and it wouldnt be too bad to premptively replace them