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I've seen that RX-7s require oil changes around every 3k miles for optimal performance. Are there any other regular maintenance that needs to be performed to ensure the longevity of the engine?
What I do and why....
*Oil and filter change intervals around 3k or so. Because fuel dilution, working OMP, higher heat environs of the turbos and I can't get all the oil out of the engine during each change.
*Coolant change every spring. Part of my "spring coming out" maintenance routine. Coolant goes acidic with time and theoretically I'm being kinder to the coolant seals. I used to drain the whole system every spring but the past few springs I just drain the radiator and refill using a Lisle funnel. I use Asian (red) coolant, because I have an Asian car, because it's a feel-good thing, just because.
*Will be pulling the coolant overflow reservoir to clean it. Because I've never done it before and it's probably full of gunk and sentiment.
*I use a cheap bulb syphon to remove fluid from the Power steering reservoir and replace it with fresh. Part of the "spring coming out" maintenance. Because.
*Pull my intercooler and use hot water and dish soap at a utility sink to clean it out inside. Another part of my "spring coming out" routine.
*Pull my (PFS) intake and recharge the big K & N filter. Part of the "coming out" routine.
*Replace belts every couple years or so. Because it's probably over-kill but they don't cost much.
*Put the car up on my lift and use a work light to carefully go over the underside looking for fluid leaks, signs of exhaust leaks (I'm old and don't hear like I used to), and anything else that doesn't look right. Because.
*Every other year or so I typically change spark plugs...or when I sense it not starting quite as quickly. Because carbon.
*Check tire pressures. That "spring" thing and then occasionally afterward.
*Check lights Because I finally remembered to, because of that "I'm old" condition.
*"Sensor screen" check on the PFC commander. Because I remembered to, because of that "I'm old" condition.
*Change differential and transmission gear oil (75w-90) every 3 to 4 years or 15k miles. Because judgement call.
*Will be using a Motive pressure bleeder to do a complete brake fluid replacement in the next week or so. Because the fluid absorbs moisture and can cause corrosion and it's been bugging me that I haven't done it in a long time.
Are you wanting to know about general practices for a Mazda rotary vehicle, or do you have a specific version of the RX-7 in mind? Best maintenance practices can vary quite a bit between different models, especially if we're talking NA vs turbo.
As Sgtblue said, it's wise to always change your oil at 3k mile intervals and keep your coolant fresh. It's probably not necessary to change your coolant every year, but anti-freeze is super cheap if you buy the "full concentration" stuff and just mix it with distilled water yourself. Spark plugs are extremely important to keep up with on these cars. I believe Mazda recommends a 30k replacement interval, but some people say 15k. There's no sure answer due to so many factors that can affect plug condition, so like with coolant, I say go ahead and swap them at 15-20k since they're cheap. Spark plug wires wear out too, but you can check the resistance of those with a multimeter and decide based on what the service manual says. I recommend using NGK plugs and wires. Don't forget your fuel filter. Those should be replaced every 30k miles, maybe more if you really trust the quality of your gas. Other than that, keep your oil topped off, and don't let that poor thing overheat!
*Put the car up on my lift and use a work light to carefully go over the underside looking for fluid leaks, signs of exhaust leaks (I'm old and don't hear like I used to), and anything else that doesn't look right. Because.
Sgtblue, do you have a lift?? Or is there a shop they gives you access?
Friend and I bought an old two-stall 50's era gas station years ago (tanks removed) a few minutes from our houses. He stores and works on his boats there, I play with my cars. It has a two-post lift...and hope to put in a second. Wives call it "ManTown". Not super pretty, but it has a big frig and cigars are not only allowed, but encouraged.
Sgtblue that is awesome. I would have called it Man Station but whatever. It seems there is a DIY garage a few suburbs away that rents lifts and such. Will probably check it out so I can do a proper under inspection on a lift.
