mazdas4life

Hi All,

Learned about the concern about FPD on the FD after meeting up with fellow RX7 owners a few weeks ago on 7/7. Didn't know a thing about this until that discussion. Since then I've watched the fires on Youtube and read the accounts here. Now preoccupied since reading all the accounts. Even after a rebuild of an FD during a photoshoot, a fire occurred! (not related to FPD but still) => https://www.stancenation.com/2012/04...the-ups-downs/

I am resolved to replace mine though unsure if I should do this myself as I've heard of people having problems and more leaks after getting into the rats nest or bring to Ricks Rotary in Pleasanton where the FD has been well cared for by prior owner. Also, it seems there are other parts that should be replaced/services done while in there: gaskets/hoses/fuel system cleaned.

There was a link in the 3rd gen RX7 FAQ section => https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...up-%2A-549019/

Found this Youtube video, which was to remove the UIM =>
I've read people suggesting to upgrade the whole fuel system - I'll be honest and don't know a thing about fuel rails and injector sizes.

For reliability, not power, would you replace with stock OEM fuel pulsation dampener- part # n3a2-180-20 **OR** with Radium FPD - if Radium, I wouldn't know which to go with => Fuel Pulse Damper, Direct Mount Kits. Which RADIUM FPD would work for the FD?

For those wondering if I've reviewed the Factory Service Manual, I have - the Fuel System and Engine section. Perhaps I missed it, but didn't see a clear diagram on reviewing the UIM without stretching vacuum hoses and damaging solenoids.

If replacing the entire fuel system will ensure reliability, I'd consider this as well (DIY if there is a step-by-step vs rotary shop) but the car runs great right now aside from this fear of FPD. I want to drive my FD without worrying about it stranding me or burning up - I DO HAVE COLDFIRE with me at all times. I have my NA miata as my reliable driver.

My technical wrenching experience is basic compared to the members here but am willing to learn. This is what I've done thus far to cars, nothing exotic: fluids (oil, coolant, transmission fluids), plugs/wires, coil pack/EGR valve/cam angle sensor on my NA miata. I'd like to learn how to interpret wiring diagrams and also how to apply voltage to test components, but don't know what this means.

If there is a step-by-step on how to replace the FPD (perhaps also the vacuum hoses/fuel lines/etc) - I'm all about learning....and willing but don't want to mess up what is working now. It's pretty close to stock except a few reliability mods: aluminum AST, downpipe, Apexi intake;

Thanks!

SpinningDorito

iTrader: (2)

I can't speak to the Radium FPD, but in regards to swapping it out it's a bit of work to get to it, since its buried under the rats nest.

If it's not giving you any detectable issues right now (ie, fuel smell, any evidence of leaking) it might be advisable to do it when you are ready to do a full vacuum/cooling/fuel line job, or remove and bypass it completely.

cr-rex

iTrader: (114)

The fpd is a part you can live without like the ast or egr. It wouldnt make any sense to replace it with anything. It would be best to just delete it.

http://www.banzai-racing.com/pd_elimination_how-to.htm

as mentioned above me though, it would be best to wait until you go in there for more than just that. The fsm isn't an all inclusive manual like it is on Hondas where it shows you step by step how to do literally everything. It implies there is some mechanical ability on the part of the person doing the work. If you go slow and check everything you'll be able to handle it. It's not hard.

Sgtblue

iTrader: (16)

^This.
Fire videos are dramatic but I don't think they occur as often as you were led to believe. And they don't think they happen in a vacuum. There was likely fuel smell, or other signs something was wrong that were ignored by the owner before the fire. Still others aren't related to the FPD at all. Probably as common are coolant leaks traced to the turbo coolant hoses that are left to bloat, swell and eventually leak.
IIRC a new FPD is ~$120 or so. If you're losing sleep over it, either resolve to replace it every 6 or 8 years...or eliminate it. But "upgrading" the fuel system (whatever that means) on a stock or near stock car, or trying to make some semi-universal FPD work doesn't make any sense IMO.

mazdas4life

Thanks all on the perspective. I flip up my hood after most drives to cool the engine, so hopefully will detect fuel leak if happening early in the process but I'll plan to change in the next few years otherwise if nothing more than for peace of mind for at least another 6-8 years.

I've got an emergency fund for my Financial Disaster