SUiSLiDE

Hi all, I just got my first rotary and right off the bat, I've got some issues. When I test drove it, everything was fine, but I suspect the guy masked the existing problems and I was wondering if you guys could help me with some damage assessment. The drive home was about an hour cruising at 60 and everything was fine, the engine has great power and all the vital signs were good until just a few minutes before I got home with it. I noticed that my temp gauge was rising up to dangerous levels by the time I got home, but hadn't peaked out yet when I pulled in my driveway thankfully(I would have shut it down before that happened). when I got home and popped the hood, there was coolant spraying out of the top of the water neck just below where the radiator cap sits through a small hole. Upon further inspection, which I admit I should have noticed before I even bought it, I noticed some plugs that didn't have anything attached to them and a bent well... I'm not sure what it's called, but there's a picture and a plate bolted to the engine which has a small crack at the top(I'd also love to know what it even is). The battery was bad. The guy jumped and charged it before I got there, I think. Unlike the first 2 times I drove it, when I started it earlier today, profuse amounts of smoke billowed out the exhaust as soon as I started it and the idle sat at around 2k whereas it sat right at 750 the previous couple times it ran. I have another fc which I got in a trade about a week previously that's got no clutch and some spark issues, so I can acquire spare parts if needed, assuming I didn't get totally rammed on the deal. As I said previously, this is my first rotary and I would love if you guys could help me.

(Note for mods: Please delete my first post,as I forgot to upload pictures)

Aaron Cake

iTrader: (1)

Picture number 1 indicates that the car has been in a serious front end collision and the damage was not repaired correctly. It's certain that the frame is bent and the front end will never align until it is straightened.

Picture number 2 just shows some extra connectors. Initial set coupler (2 pin) and the connector for the auto adjusting suspension. You'll find extra connectors all over the car as Mazda only had one body harness to cover all models.

Picture 3 is shows a coolant filler cap mount that needs to be replaced. They are available at the dealer. The plastic sometimes cracks...though it's not a common failure.

Picture 4 is an ACV blockoff plate. The crack is normal, though I have no idea why companies make them like that instead of just drilling a bloody hole. Note that this means the air pump has also been eliminated, the car likely has no cats, your aux intake ports probably aren't working, and there's no chance of passing emissions. That open vacuum nipple should connect to the pressure/boost sensor on the passenger shock tower.

Picture 5 is just another spare connector. But it does show that the AFM appears to be poorly mounted with a zip tie.

From what I've seen so far, I hope you didn't pay more than $500. That's a good project car to form the basis for a track car, but until that frame is fixed, it's not to be driven on the street.

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

Pic #4 shows a vacuum nipple above the block of plate that should go to the map sensor.
oops Aaron got it!

SUiSLiDE

It appears that the bar in question was pulled away from the frame, rather than crushed inward. It's easily visible through the front bumper. Do you think someone just tried to use it as a tow hook rather than a ruined front end? The alignment seemed fine to me. It goes straight without me touching the wheel(Not saying I know exactly what I'm talking about, just an observation).

Note: I found the vacuum line in question and slipped it back on.
The car has a catalytic convertor, but my state eliminated vehicle inspections quite a few years ago. I also did indeed pay more than $500, but not by much.

As for the excessive smoke upon start and hovering at 2k rpms, what would that be?

Appreciate all the help so far!

Aaron Cake

iTrader: (1)

Smoke is likely a worn out engine. Oil control rings failing. Or it could be a failed coolant o-ring, allowing coolant to be burned.

2K idle is generally due to a vacuum leak and a maladjusted TPS.

redFC

Look at this way Kenny. At least your's runs and doesn't have a flat or a tranny in the trunk. But I'm not complaining you made a $100 off the car and I got it for free.

SUiSLiDE

Doesn't run now. Tried running it after the coolant was COMPLETELY full(forgot to burp the system) and I think you were right, Aaron, about the coolant o-rings. Going to tear it down and replace all the o-rings and gaskets, as a complete rebuild is not financially an option right now. What better way to learn about an engine than this? I already watched your rebuild video. Wish me luck!