88fc3sw/HX83

Guys, I just got my motor, complete with automatic tranny. The outside looked really good and I had my motor opened up by my builder. I havent had a chance to call him back, but he left a message on my ansering maching and said that he saw some parts that I would not be happy about. Anybody have any ideas of what could be bad about the motor? They came from automatic cosmos, so I can't imagine what could be wrong.

88fc3sw/HX83

Anyone have any ideas or possibilities that could be bad with the motor?

Jeff20B

iTrader: (13)

Do you trust your engine builder? Don't mind me, I'm just asking.

My 20B that also came from an automatic Cosmo had low compression and needs a rebuild. However, I'll leave it alone untill after it's installed. Being a 20B, I need it together to get it to fit correctly in my project car. If it runs ok once installed, I'll go ahead and hold off on the rebuild for a little while. I've gotten the car nearly ready for it, so why not install it before the rebuild? That makes sense to me. This is just information. Disregard if you want. I don't mind

Anyway, he's probably going to tell you that the apex seals are worn and need replacing, along with the rest of the seals, which is understandable. If they're below 7mm tall, or chipped or otherwise screwed-up looking, they'll need replacing anyway. Count on spending some cash.

88fc3sw/HX83

Jeff,
Thanks for the input, I think I trust my builder. I guess I'll find out whats EXACTLY wrong with the motor before I say anything else. It's kind of supprised me when he left the message saying that "I won't like what I see" because the motor looked completely STOCK. Usually people who drive automatic family cars don't rag the motor out!

es

Even if it wasn't ragged, if they didn't change the oil frequently enough or if it's been overheated you're "not going to be happy about it".

Also, with mileage comes rotor housing wear. If the small triangle piece of the apex seal assy has worn through the housing plating then the housings are junk! Also with mileage comes stationary bearing wear thanks to the thermopellet that cuts oil on cold starts.

This is all outlined in the FSM, & the rotary engine rebuild video goes over it pretty good as well (as long as your remember to keep more strict standards for a turbo motor).

88fc3sw/HX83

Then why take the $2000 risk of buying JDM motors? Why not just buy everything NEW?

fatboy7

You usually get the long block, so all the accessories, inluding turbos are there. Where else are you going to get a JC cosmo engine anyway?

es

Usually these deals have some sort of guarantee. You should at the very least do a compression test, & drop the oil pan before handing over cash. If the bottom of the housings looks like it's covered in a brown varnish then the motor has likely been overheated or run for a long time on crap oil...

I don't understand why you would think that just because it's JDM is going to be well taken care of & ready for another 100K miles of usage. If you're purchasing used equipment sight unseen then you don't know what your buying!

Also, a brand new long block will be over $3K (if you can find one). New housings alone with M-comp discounts are almost $1K.

Personally I wouldn't buy a used motor for $2K. Any motor that used is nothing more then a core in my eyes since you really have no way of telling what it's gone through.

88fc3sw/HX83

True!

Jeff20B

iTrader: (13)

I only paid $600 for mine. I've seen cores go for $500.

88fc3sw/HX83

Lucky

Jeff20B

iTrader: (13)

For $600, my apex seals are sloppy and some of the vacuum tubing on the rat's nest was cracked and leaky. Also, the turbo may have been leaking a little oil into the intake. The whole engine was heavily carboned up. Some MMO took care of that and now the apex seals operate smooth. It needs a rebuild, but not any time soon, pending its runability once installed. I'll go from there. Still, I guess I'm lucky.