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My neighbor has a 1979 or 80 FB sitting in his garage since the 80s. He wants help getting it out/sold. I'm considering maybe buying it off of him but want to make sure it runs first. I've built many BMWs before but never anything Wankel powered so want to make sure I'm not missing anything before trying to fire this thing.
Plan is as follows: Change oil/filter, coolant, plugs, battery. Drain gas. Replace fuel filter. Keep plugs out and prime till it builds oil pressure (if). Gap plus, install. Get a gascan and mix up correct ratio, run gas line to gas can and finally try to fire. Anything else I need to know? Should I disable OMP to start? Thanks and looking forward to showing pictures of this beauty! Did I mention she only has 14K miles?
welcome to the forum, u have definitely come to the right place. need to determine whether it's a 79-80 SA or 81-85 FB. lots of differences from SA to FB, and some within the FB run. get some pix too if u can. how long has it been sitting and did it run when parked? even more so, why was it parked?
Thanks! Just found out it's an 83. Neighbor will send the VIN later so I can see how it was optioned. Right now it has 4 flat tires and is surrounded by junk. Will dig it out this coming weekend and take pics. The interior is a time capsule besides the mold. Dash is completely uncracked. Carpets look like new. haven't been able to see underneath so I have no idea about rust, but hopeful the moisture in the garage was minimal.
no need to disable the MOP before you start it. matter of fact, it might do some good to get a few ounces of oil in the chambers and turn it by hand before you try cranking it.
no need to disable the MOP before you start it. matter of fact, it might do some good to get a few ounces of oil in the chambers and turn it by hand before you try cranking it.
good luck with it.
Thanks for the tip! Lets hope it actually turns by hand....
Ordered the haynes manual, gets here on Thursday. Should have an update by this weekend.
just for the record, the 1985 manual is probably a little better for you than the 1980 one. it's not an exact match either (as Sgtblue pointed out), and you could probably get by with the 1980, but i would say the 1985's a little more mechanically relevant. i'm possibly splitting hairs, but i thought i should put it out there.
just for the record, the 1985 manual is probably a little better for you than the 1980 one. it's not an exact match either (as Sgtblue pointed out), and you could probably get by with the 1980, but i would say the 1985's a little more mechanically relevant. i'm possibly splitting hairs, but i thought i should put it out there.
Based on the Vin it is probably a late 82 build - does that make a difference on leaning toward 80 vs 85?
not really.. basically, the cars break down like this:
SA cars = 1979-80 and the FB cars = 1981-85. the FB cars are further split 1981-83 (S2) and 1984-85 (S3). from a general mechanical standpoint, the '83 is "closer" to an '85 because they are both FBs. an example of what i mean is the ignition system. the SA cars use points, the FB cars are electronic.
Turned the motor over by hand and it was disturbingly easy. Like, 0 compression. I read something about squirting a little oil in the lower spark plug hole. Is this recommended before using the starter to build oil pressure? EDIT duh, diabolical1 stated as much above. Any tips on adding? Like, 1 oz in, turn rotor, another oz, turn, repeat?
Regarding the rest of the car, it is so nice. 0 rust. The underbody looks like new. Clutch works and the tranny/shifter feels like butter (in a good way). I'm probably going to make an offer this week and will provide pics once in my garage. I would like to confirm compression before making an offer though, so any advice on testing this is helpful.
Last edited by Fasterbass; May 10, 2021 at 08:47 AM.
About time I uploaded some pictures! Current status is: replaced the gas tank, got it running, and immediately popped a freeze plug behind the flywheel. Trans is out and should pull the flywheel tonight to replace freeze plug(s). Also got every hose from Mazdatrix, already replaced pads and all brake hoses, all rubber fuel lines, bled brakes, new plugs and plug wires.
"Pretty" that's being very kind lol. The paint is hashed - needs a serious cut and buff. It was left uncovered in a garage and used for box storage To be honest I'm not sure how good it will come out. However the rest of the car is nice, and with the waxoyl treatment the underbody is completely rust free.
Hopefully, you'll be able to clean up the paint without too much trouble. It's a seven, it automatically looks better than 99.9% of cars you'll see on the road.
To be honest I'm not sure how good it will come out. However the rest of the car is nice, and with the waxoyl treatment the underbody is completely rust free.
