Un-sticking an apex seal
07-30-10, 09:09 PM
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Un-sticking an apex seal
Is there a way to do it that sometimes works? Pretty sure I have a seal stuck on the front rotor. Either that or broken, or a bad/stuck spring.
Any ideas welcome.
Thanks.
Mike
Any ideas welcome.
Thanks.
Mike
07-31-10, 12:32 AM
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I used transmission fluid to free mines but I heard that can be bad...
It did work for me...
Sea foam I heard is worth a try as well...
http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/atftrick.htm
It did work for me...
Sea foam I heard is worth a try as well...
http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/atftrick.htm
07-31-10, 08:10 AM
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Thanks. Heading out to look for a funnel in just a few minutes. The motor is trash to me unless it can be freed, so it doesn't matter at this point, whether it eats up an o-ring or not.
As for cleaning combustion chambers so this doesn't happen again....anybody have specs on a water injection kit that works well on these?
As for cleaning combustion chambers so this doesn't happen again....anybody have specs on a water injection kit that works well on these?
07-31-10, 10:30 AM
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What is the history of this engine? Apex seals don't really stick unless there is moisture and sitting involved.
The best way is to pull the exhaust and intake manifold, then spray penetrating oil through all the ports and the spark plug holes. Really hose it in there, let it sit, then try to gently rock the engine. Repeat this process a few times. If the engine begins to move, pour oil through all the open holes and slowly rotate it around to force all the junk out of the exhaust ports and spark plug holes.
The best way is to pull the exhaust and intake manifold, then spray penetrating oil through all the ports and the spark plug holes. Really hose it in there, let it sit, then try to gently rock the engine. Repeat this process a few times. If the engine begins to move, pour oil through all the open holes and slowly rotate it around to force all the junk out of the exhaust ports and spark plug holes.
07-31-10, 11:23 AM
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Aaron, the motor isn't hung, there is one apex seal on the forward rotor that isn't ....well, sealing. I figure there are 3 possibilities: The seal is stuck in the rotor just enough so the spring can't keep it flush with the housing, the spring itself is dirty/stuck/broken, or the apex seal itself is broken.
If the seal itself is broken (something I understand doesn't happen often), then a rebuild is the only fix, but if it's just hung because of carbon buildup, then maybe I can free it and actually get it running. I've pulled the plugs and it is really dirty inside, so this wouldn't surprise me. Also, if the spring is just dirty and stuck, same deal....if I can free it, it might be fine for many miles. But, if the either the spring or seal are broken, then a rebuild or replacement is the only fix, so I figure I'll try the tranny fluid option (soaking right now), and if it works, great. If not, then I'm only out a single quart of tranny fluid and back where I started from anyway.
If the seal itself is broken (something I understand doesn't happen often), then a rebuild is the only fix, but if it's just hung because of carbon buildup, then maybe I can free it and actually get it running. I've pulled the plugs and it is really dirty inside, so this wouldn't surprise me. Also, if the spring is just dirty and stuck, same deal....if I can free it, it might be fine for many miles. But, if the either the spring or seal are broken, then a rebuild or replacement is the only fix, so I figure I'll try the tranny fluid option (soaking right now), and if it works, great. If not, then I'm only out a single quart of tranny fluid and back where I started from anyway.
07-31-10, 12:09 PM
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Mike I know it worked for me just leave it over night and try to start it up in the morning with some old sparks plugs. Because the tranny fluid will ruin the plugs anyways...
Most likely it will free it up...
Most likely it will free it up...
08-01-10, 10:31 AM
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Don't leave ATF in the engine very long. It attacks all the rubber seals.
I'd still suggest pulling the exhaust manifold so that you can access the apex seals directly. Then you can spray carb cleaner/penetrating oil right onto the problem seal.
I'd still suggest pulling the exhaust manifold so that you can access the apex seals directly. Then you can spray carb cleaner/penetrating oil right onto the problem seal.
