Hi folks,



I have recently (today) purchased a 1991 Naturally aspirated RX7 convertible. My first foray into the world of rotary engines. Overall, the body is in great shape and the engine hums like a champ. It has 85k original miles and original paint and interior. I got a great deal on it and I know it will require a not insignificant investment in time and money to get it where I want it to be. But the bones are solid and good specimens are tougher and tougher to come by.



I have tried searching the forum and have found many threads/comments/responses that sort of circle my question but none that actually provide me a definitive answer. My question revolves around the, and I am almost scared to say it, 5th and 6th port actuator valve.



When I purchased the car, the seller told me that it was in limp mode because the 5th and 6th port actuator valve is broken. He said if I replaced it then it would run and shift fine. At idle in neutral it revs nice and sounds good. Is it possible for the broken arm on the actuator to cause limp mode and not allow it to shift out of 1st gear? I did drive it through the neighborhood but it wouldn't go out of 1st gear as he said.


I have also seen reference to disabling/bypassing this 5th and 6th port actuator valve. How does one go about disabling it. I understand it can cause a reduction in HP but it might serve as a good diagnostic method to determine if it is the cause of the limp mode as I assumed it has failed in the closed position with the broken actuator arm.



Thanks for any help you can offer! As I said I am a complete newb to rotary engines and have just begun my knowledge development.

 

if the car is truly in limp mode, my first thought would go to a broken/faulty MOP. i don't know of broken 5/6 ports leading to the limp mode condition. that said, i don't know everything about S5 cars either though.

as far as the car not coming out of first gear is concerned, have you done basic troubleshooting on the transmission itself yet? my understanding of limp mode is that the car will not rev past 3500 under load, but otherwise allows you to drive somewhat regularly (to limp it home or to the shop). i can't see them (Mazda) holding the car in first gear on purpose just based on what damage that would likely do to it. that said, i've only ever experienced it in my Rx-8 (and it's not automatic), so maybe there's no merit to anything i said.

you can get a copy of the FSM at Foxed.ca