So my friend and I were looking for a good project car to fix up and drive around, and eventually sell. We looked at a crappy gti and then went to look at the '86 rx with 110k miles or so. We both liked the rx a lot more. Its only $750 but we're trying to keep it on the cheap route, so no rebuilds. The problem is that it overheats. After it is driven for 15-20 min there's water boiling in a container on the right side of the engine bay, cant think of what it is. But the guy has replaced a bunch of stuff to try and aid this but to no avail. He replaced the thermostat, radiator, and another thing or two. In the FAQ's it said that overheating problems usually result in a rebuild or something like that. I mean this kinda bothers me that the water is freakin boiling! I wasn't so sure about the car, but my friend loved it and it's cheap.

So what do you guys think, should I back out?

Thanks, Mike

 

There's a possibility that the clutch on the fan has failed. I'm not sure what the test is for it, but I'm sure an fc guy will chime in here. Is it losing coolant, or just boiling over? Maybe a cooling system flush?

 

well if its been over heated, it may have blown a coolant seal, and than it would need rebuilt, personally, if you get it, plan for a rebuild.
just my .02
Rob

 

It is 99% going to be coolant seals. If it wasn't at first, it is by now. Do not buy it unless you want to rebuild it. Plates might be warped as well by now. Run away!!!

 

yes i agree, dont walk, run!! unless you wanta rebiuld it. Once a rotary engine overheats its done.

 

I have a great project for you, I have a 88 convert. that runs perfect it has 125000 miles on it. It has been very well maintained everything work. the engine purrs i hqve never had a problem with anything on it and has been very dependable. its black with bbs wheels and tires are in good shape...the bad.. It needs a new hood, fender and front bumper. I was going to repair but just havent had the time and I need it out of my garage..it would be a nice car with just a little bodywork.

 

Well, first off thanks for your help everyone! Second we bought the car lol. My friend and I were talking it over and we decided that if we need to do a rebuild, then we need to do a rebuild. Well it is a project anyways isn't it? So it should be good experience. I am just starting to look around for some options. I only searched for a sec but the rebuild kit I saw was running almost $1500. Now for that price I could get a nice motor, correct? Does anyone know any cheaper kits or can one of y'all hook me up? Or should I go for the new motor?

Thanks again for your help, Mike

p.s. I look forward to getting to know you guys better as our project progresses.

 

www.rotaryresurrection.com
Check out the 2nd gen FAQ. If you
are just turning the car over, this should
Be your mindset.

 

It also may not be just a "rebuild". If it lost a water jacket, you have to get it welded and ground back down by someone who knows what their doing. Pineapple sells an awesome rebuild kit for around $1200, and thats the rate for pretty much everyone else. You must also keep in mind you may need to find new plates, housings, and all kinds of other stuff. And also, people usually do not like to buy rx7's with "rebuilt" motors unless they have documentation from a good shop, so trying to flip this thing, even if you spend $3000 to rebuild it, will be pretty hard to do.

 

My .02 cents
Overheating is always bad on a Rotary, housings being warped or water jacket groove on the iron cracked or broken. All that stuff can be fixed but it cost $$$ not to mention getting the plates lapped. I would if I were you is remove the motor and send it to pineapple for a rebuild. By doing this you have warranty/piece of mind and they are local and great customer service.

I rebuilt my 1st motor myself and after adding all the $$$ it would of been better getting it rebuilt. It was a good learning experience + the smile on my face driving the RX-7 was priceless. Would I do it again yes only to show a family member or a good friend other than that no.

 

Ok, thank you so much for all the replies. We're still messing around with a few things. All of the water is flowing into the overflow tank, but we don't think any is going in to cool the engine. Idk if that makes sense or not.