I finally got my new to me FD in the garage the other day and its time to start chasing down the issues. The vehicle sat for 15 years and was sidelined as best I can tell by a the previous owner buying a battery of reverse polarity. I have since powered her up can she seems ready to crank. But before I do I wanted to ask the community what kind of precautions I should take? (aside from the obvious, coolant, oil, etc).

I am not new to finicky cars, my other toy is a 2000 Disco 2, but I am new to rotaries and I don't want to hurt the motor.

-Paul

 

welcome to th e board, Paul.

after 15 years, there's a whole list of things i could suggest checking or changing, but i can also understand the excitement you must feel, on the cusp of finally hearing it run. that said, the most important things you'll want to do are: (1.) make sure it turns by hand first, (2.) make sure you're getting oil pressure before you actually attempt to start it, and (3.) make sure there is some oil in the chambers.

those are some of the basics for any rotary engine. what i DO NOT know is if there are any FD-specific quirks that you need to look out for, so just wait a little bit to see if any of the FD guys chime in with some advice.

good luck with it. oh, and congratulations, too.

 

15 years? I can only hope the PO was honest. Did you get a compression test?
Regardless, what I would suggest...

* change the oil with a new filter AND coolant if you haven’t already.
* pull the plugs at least for a visual inspection. Squirt some Marvel Mystery oil, 2-cycle oil or just some motor oil in the leading (lower) plug holes. Pull the egi and with the plugs still out, hand crank it a few revs. and let it sit.
* move to the back, drain the gas. The FD has a drain plug.
* pull up the hatch carpet and access the fuel pump assembly for inspection. I’d be concerned about any signs of corrosion, especially if it was left sitting with an ethanol blend fuel. Maybe at least replace the sock.
* now for the fun part, after 15 years I’d replace the fuel filter. It’s not as bad of a job as it looks at first glance but download the Service manual for help. Maybe even blow out as much of the lines as possible.
* with the plugs reinstalled but egi still pulled, crank it over some. At least until you see a little oil pressure.
* Replace the egi, cross fingers and go for it. If it starts keep rpms up and try not to let it die. Get it up to full op temp. On the stock temp gauge (not linear) that would be with the needle just below the half mark. If it goes any higher shut it down. You should also see and hear the fans kick on.
* if she runs consider some good fuel system cleaner for a tank or two. Maybe pre-mix some 2-cycle with the gas (~ .5 oz @ gallon) for a little while. And before putting too many miles on it change the brake fluid and gear oil in the transmission and diff. 15 years is a long time.

 

Oh...and careful not to cross up plug wires. I know some of this sounds elementary if you’re experienced. If that’s the case no offense intended.