What are some common problems that come with owning a rotary?
I really want a RX7 as my first car (84 or 85 GSL if I can get my way) so I'd like to know what are so common problems that occur with rotary powered cars?
Any info on any gen will do.
I'd like to know as much as I can before attempting to buy one.

 

Common problem is people buy one and have Zero Mechanical aptitude.Then they rip **** off the engine because "someone" said that is what you do to Gain Horse power.When the car doesn't run right they wonder why!
If this is your First car,then you had better take a mechanical or automotive course at school.

 

I'm not a real knowledgeable rotary guy but from experience with some well tenured rotary guys good maintenance is key with a rotary. They can do some pretty impressive things when properly cared for.

 

fcs have the idiot light cluster wires come loose. its a pain in the *** when the check engine light wont turn on to pass smog

 

Watch all you fluid levels especaily the oil. Low oil is the fastest road to a rebuild.

 

I've never seen a Check engine light on an s4.

 

I own a s4 and was having flooding issues, so I installed a fuel pump cut off switch, now having problems burping the coolant system

 

The biggest problem is not reading. Every question you have has been answered in the FAQs. If you are interested in an 85/85 then go into the 1st Gen Section and read the FAQs...every question you have will most likely be answered.

Ask where a comment/opinion is coming from. If someone who is a brand new owner and who has had a rotary for a month says, "It sucks" chances are they bought a car that had issues that they can't fix or screwed something up on their own and are blaming the car.

It blows my mind that people expect these cars to act like a new car AND THE "YOUNGEST" OF THEM ARE SEVENTEEN YEARS OLD!

They are old cars and will have problems unless maintained well in the past.

And in regards to this poster:
You are masking a problem not fixing it. Chances are your engine is on the way out based on the symptoms. I'd start saving for a rebuild or looking for a new engine.

These cars are a ton of fun if you want to learn to work on them and live near other rotary enthusiasts. We are a pretty decent community overall.

 

Even during start up?

 

Well I already plan on taking an automotive course at a school near me.
And I've looked in the 1st gen faq page. A few of the links I've tried looking at where broken.
I'm just looking for any useful advice and any insight on these vehicles.

 

Have fun with them. =)

 

The previous owner in some cases can be a big one. Also, let it warm up nicely, and keep a close eye on that oil level like previously stated.

 

I have had a few snages along the way with the rotary engine, from minor stuff like an easy to fix oil leak, up to a complete engine rebuild. If you are looking into getting into a rotary, be prepared for regular maintenance, and get ready to enjoy working on the car alot

 

make sure you have enough money saved for a rebuilt engine. Just kidding. A rotary is like a love and hate relationship much like having a girlfriend. They can cost a lot of money and require a lot of maintainence too

 

How did you come to the conclusion that it was your fuel pump when you had issues with flooding it? I own a 88 rx7 and I can’t seem to get it started, I’ve replaced spark plugs first of all and I do have spark. I’ve had to use starting fluid to get it to run for a bit but it dies out quickly.

 

The pump is not his issue, a fuel cut switch is a common band-aid for tired motors and/or injectors that need rebuilding.