FD3S Idle & Acceleration Issues
 

Hey guys, been going through the forum a fair bit as an outside observer and decided to join and share a problem that I am having with my FD Rx7 (2002) 13B TT.

Basically bought the thing a month ago and it was running very well and had excellent compression test results in both chambers.

One night i was running through the revs in 2nd gear and it sort of just cut out boost at 6,000rpm and then cut back in about a second later. I thought this was a bit weird and decided to turn around and head home. As soon as i turned around it started limping and bunny hopping back as if it was stalling. It eventually turned itself off and wouldnt start for a good 20 minutes.

I let it sit over night and started it in the morning, it started fine but once it got up to warm idle it became very shaky and eventually idled so low that it turned itself off again.

I performed the 'poor mans compression test' which went very well in my opinion (videos attached). I also changed the spark plugs, oil and oil filter which were all very dirty in hopes that this would solve the issue.

Now it basically just starts a little bit like a lawn mower and will only allow you to drive it when you keep the revs up above 3,000RPM. It has no problem hitting boost once the revs finally kick in, however when you come to a stop it basically stalls itself again.

Ive attached a video of it starting as well.

Any input would be great as I'm starting to run out of ideas and am fearing the worse that yes it may be time for a rebuild..note - car only has 60,000km on it ??

Front Rotor Compression

Second Rotor Compression

Idle and Rev

Anyone? Really need opinions!

I can't say what I think your problem is however all I can do is recommend performing all the maintenance on it now in hopes that it'll fix your problem. I'm having some issues too and I've decided to do spark plugs, wires, fuel filter, replace all vacuum lines, check valves and broken solenoids.
Is your car stock? Sounds like it could just be a bad vacuum leak.
I say sounds as in diagnosing what you've described. I haven't watched any of the videos.

Just watched the idle video. Damn those are some skinny tires. Anyways, definitely misfiring badly on startup. What is it smoking? Is that coolant burning or condensation in the exhaust? That sounded just like how my S2000 did when I had a blown head gasket, smoked the same way too.
Might be worth testing your cooling system for pressure leaks (bad coolant seals) you can rent the tool from your local auto parts store.
If it comes out bad, you might as well rebuild it. It doesn't have very many miles (or in your case km's) but I'd say miles isn't a good way to determine internal engine health.
I'd also like to add; if you're going to skip the maintenence items then the next thing I would try is pressuring the vacuum lines to check for leaks.
Good luck!

I have done a service on it and changed filters etc with no real effect on the problem :( Im starting to fear its a blown seal as it just keeps flooding itself when you drive it.

I believe its smoking due to burning oil, its not condensation because it is extremely "fumey" hahahaha the video turned out terrible, the wheels are actually 18x10 + 38 and stick out the guards about 10mm :D Thanks for the input though

Probably is just the angle of the shot. Haha same specs I'm going for, nice. Sorry, not too sure what else, just have to wait for a pro to come chime in.
Good luck though.

Sending it in for repair on wed..hope its not an Apex seal :(

I would think that a bad apex seal would be MUCH MUCH more obvious... as in completely annilihating your turboes and some other parts.