Build RX7 Engine By Myself
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Build RX7 Engine By Myself
Hey guys,
I was wondering what the possibility of building or repairing an RX7 rotary engine on my own would be. I've heard that the engines usually have to be rebuilt, and was wondering if I could do it on my own, instead of shelling out a whole bunch of money to pay someone to rebuild it. I searched the forum for a while, and didn't see anything.
Thanks to those that reply kindly, and again, I apologize if there are already threads on this topic. If you wish not to reply, and know of a thread, I would much appreciate if you could possibly post the link to the thread.
Thank you all,
Sam
I was wondering what the possibility of building or repairing an RX7 rotary engine on my own would be. I've heard that the engines usually have to be rebuilt, and was wondering if I could do it on my own, instead of shelling out a whole bunch of money to pay someone to rebuild it. I searched the forum for a while, and didn't see anything.
Thanks to those that reply kindly, and again, I apologize if there are already threads on this topic. If you wish not to reply, and know of a thread, I would much appreciate if you could possibly post the link to the thread.
Thank you all,
Sam
#2
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Sam,
Sure, you could do it yourself. It isn't all that hard. Mostly, it only takes basic tools and taking your time. There are a couple special tools (2-1/8" socket for the flywheel and enough muscle to get it off/back on (it is torqued to ~300 ft-lb), some feeler gauges, dial indicators, etc. for clearancing). Most of these "special tools" are what you might use in a piston engine rebuild.
There are several good rebuild videos out there that could give you an idea of what you need to do. You might also pick up a Haynes manual to look it over as these usually have a good step-by-step of how everything comes apart and goes back together.
When I got my RX-7, it was before the 7 club existed. You would talk to local "rotary experts". Most would scare you off saying "Oh, you need $1000 in special tools to rebuild a rotary engine" or "Mechanics even won't rebuild a rotary engine as they are too complicated". In fact, the rotary engine is very simple (just different) and there are very few "special" tools, and the ones that are "special" can often be borrowed/rented.
Kent
Sure, you could do it yourself. It isn't all that hard. Mostly, it only takes basic tools and taking your time. There are a couple special tools (2-1/8" socket for the flywheel and enough muscle to get it off/back on (it is torqued to ~300 ft-lb), some feeler gauges, dial indicators, etc. for clearancing). Most of these "special tools" are what you might use in a piston engine rebuild.
There are several good rebuild videos out there that could give you an idea of what you need to do. You might also pick up a Haynes manual to look it over as these usually have a good step-by-step of how everything comes apart and goes back together.
When I got my RX-7, it was before the 7 club existed. You would talk to local "rotary experts". Most would scare you off saying "Oh, you need $1000 in special tools to rebuild a rotary engine" or "Mechanics even won't rebuild a rotary engine as they are too complicated". In fact, the rotary engine is very simple (just different) and there are very few "special" tools, and the ones that are "special" can often be borrowed/rented.
Kent
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Kent,
Thank you for all of your help. I will definitely try to find some of those videos and learn from them. I had just heard all of the horror stories about people constantly rebuilding engines and breaking down, and was looking for other options other than paying a few thousand dollars to rebuild it every time.
Sam
Thank you for all of your help. I will definitely try to find some of those videos and learn from them. I had just heard all of the horror stories about people constantly rebuilding engines and breaking down, and was looking for other options other than paying a few thousand dollars to rebuild it every time.
Sam
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The most common major failure is the seals. Around here, you can get your new seals in your engine for $700 to $1000. It's still a pain to pull it, but you don't have to spend the big bucks, and if you do it more than once, you probably aren't doing proper maintenance.
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I rebuilt mine a week after I got it not knowing a thing about rotors, watched a few rebuild videos and away i went, it took 6 weeks from start to finish cost $2500 AU in total for everything It was also so easy the hardest bit was getting the engine in and out of the engine bay (series 8)
Mate have a crack, do your research and you will be shitting yourself with pride after you do it
Mate have a crack, do your research and you will be shitting yourself with pride after you do it
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Thanks Shippy, congrats on your successful rebuild!! Yeah, just transitioning from high school college I'm looking for anything that can keep the cost of repairs down and keep more money for mods!!! I'll definitely have to do some more research to prepare for when I buy mine! I can hardly wait, I just want it now!!
Do you have any pictures of your car?? I would love to see it!
Sam
Do you have any pictures of your car?? I would love to see it!
Sam
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This is a great FREE rebuild video. (Made by Aaron Cake here on RX-7 Club.)-> Aaron Cake's 13B Rebuild Video
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This is a great FREE rebuild video. (Made by Aaron Cake here on RX-7 Club.)-> Aaron Cake's 13B Rebuild Video
dwb87, thanks for the video!! I'm sure that will definitely make the process much easier.
I'm just posting here to try to get ideas about what I might be able to do. I don't actually have the car yet, and just wanted to see what was possible for me to do, so thank you very much to everyone that has helped!!!
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All right, thanks!! I'm definitely going to be doing a lot of research for the next few years to get ready, I can't wait to start!
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I agree wish I could afford to buy it right now but its not the right time, what with working on college, looking for volleyball scholarships, and not having a place of my own Im just going wait until I have a more secure plan, research a lot, then buy when I'm ready.
#20
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The only engine Ive ever rebuilt is a rotory. It took me about 3 weeks after work and a few bottles of Crown Royal. I used the Hanes i think, but have a factory book now. I labled everything, got some large posterboard for the rotors and everything went perfect until the guy with the title disappeared! It sits in ocala, fl rotting now.
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alot of ppl say cleaning is the hardest, i would think its making sure everything has the proper clearance, i would be so paranoid putting the engine back in my car after a rebuild, hoping i didnt mess something so little as not pushing a seal in the groove correctly or something like that, am i just to worried?
#22
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alot of ppl say cleaning is the hardest, i would think its making sure everything has the proper clearance, i would be so paranoid putting the engine back in my car after a rebuild, hoping i didnt mess something so little as not pushing a seal in the groove correctly or something like that, am i just to worried?
Its not tough, the way you have to loctite the seals you will know if something is amiss. Getting all those hoses back to the original location was more of a pain. The only help I needed was a macine shop to get my pilot bearing out after I tried to carve it out.
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i also forgot putting it back in, some said that was the hardest, thatll be my job, since im taking it to a shop to get rebuilt since i dont have the space or tools to do it. im gonna read up on the FSM to figure out how to put it back in too, maybe one day i can do a rebuild myself!
#24
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i also forgot putting it back in, some said that was the hardest, thatll be my job, since im taking it to a shop to get rebuilt since i dont have the space or tools to do it. im gonna read up on the FSM to figure out how to put it back in too, maybe one day i can do a rebuild myself!
If you can read a book and follow step by step instructions you can do it. Putting it in was easy and if you rent the bearing puller you will not have the same problem I did. I tried to carve it out with a terminal block screwdriver, luckly the guys were able to get it out and kinda polish the gouging my noob self did. They charged me 10 bucks. Secure a puller beforehand so it does not hold you up. If it was not for that one thing my first rebuild was done solely by myself. It was a great experience and I can't wait to do the one I have now, well maybe I can wait.
Last edited by Reddon; 02-11-12 at 09:04 PM. Reason: BTW I did it in single garage, with a pincinic table. You can too, if you have the time and desire.