Anyone know Mazda rotary engines?

Discussion in 'Other Automotive Tech & Talk' started by Bum's_Steer, Jan 18, 2012.

  1. Bum's_Steer

    Bum's_Steer Member

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    Everything seems to point to the flooding issue.

    If this is the case with ours, I'm going to do what one person who replied in DDB's link....'

    The early models were lower compression, and had slower starters. After a flooding bout, this guy upgraded to a later model starter, installed aftermarket performance coil packs, MSD leads and hotter performance plugs, .....said it solved the flooding issue for good.

    We'll try the "de-flooding" procedure described in DDB's link this weekend, maybe pull/replace the plugs if it still won't kick.

    I really hope we can get it running,....Ever see the interior to one of these puppies? I sit in it, I gots to drive it!!

    [​IMG]
     
  2. timers

    timers Member

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    Thats nice very nice
     
  3. simple man

    simple man Member

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    To start off, I no nothing about the newer fuel injected types. I had an earlier model that was carbed. It always ran great, and never had starting issues. The fuel mileage was my only gripe!
    I honestly think the towing to start is a great idea! Not only does it save wear and tear on the battery, starter, and flywheel gear, it causes the engine to pump oil to all the parts that need it and will even cause some heat in the combustion chamber to help dry out raw fuel!
    I will make one more suggestion to change the oil if this happens to you. You can get fuel dilution into the crankcase. I've worked on many older cars that had stuck rings and no compression, that towing at a reasonable speed got them running in minutes without removing the spark plugs! :)
    I should add that this only works on stick shift cars! :)
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2012
  4. injectedmav

    injectedmav Member

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    I have limited experience with them but the flooding issue is one I have seen(old 3rd gen turbo) The apex seals dry out or may stick if it sits for too long so the adding a very small amount of atf to the top sparkplug hole has merit. Those things have to spin fast enough to build compression in a leaky slot so to speak and low battery voltage resulting in too slow cranking speed and lower coil output could result in flooding. Hook a battery charger to it and dry the plugs out. It may just start up.
     
  5. Awesome_X

    Awesome_X Member

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    I have an 05 RX8 and haven't had any problems with flooding or starting. I know through research when you start one you have to let it warm up before you shut it off or it will cause flooding, also if you rev the motor up before you shut it off it will also help from flooding. Another thing the rotary motor injects oil into the combustion chamber to lubricate the apex seals so once the motor gets warmed up run the motor above 6k rpm to help remove carbon build up in the motor and help keep all the inlets and outlets clean, so do this at least once every time you drive it.

    I know this doesn't really help now but if you do get it running this might help keep it from happening again, Good luck :Handshake
     
  6. Clintd

    Clintd Member

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    The only thing I know about rotary engines is they have some spectacular flywheel explosions at the track now and then
     
  7. Bum's_Steer

    Bum's_Steer Member

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    We eventually got the car running, but it would backfire, and RPMs would widely fluctuate even on steady pedal, then it would just shut off.

    Two Mazda owners both said it sounded like the oil/compression seals on one of the rotors were shot, so basically the motor was only half-running, and needed rebuilt/replaced.

    Fortunately, the second Mazda owner really wanted an RX-8 to go along with his RX-7, and traded my son a very nice running/driving '03 Hyundai Elentra(sp) sedan.

    We're bummed we never got to drive the RX-8, but Jr. got more than his investment value out of the trade, and now has a nice dependable car that runs great (and gets 35 mpg!!)

    ....and the RX-8 found a good home where it'll get a rebuilt engine and future days on the road
     
  8. mrskydog

    mrskydog Ford Fan Living The Dream

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    I agree my boy has built several mazda motors RX-7 ,seal problems on both.used a updated kit? they ran great high rev,s.
     
  9. johnson

    johnson Member

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    Guess I ran on to this a bit too late. I'm doing a head swap this weekend on a 1991 mx6. Pain in the arse but its torquey when it runs.
     
  10. johnson

    johnson Member

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    To add on for fun I paid 300 for it because the guy couldn't figure out why it ran so poor. This little catch canister they made for the intake split and was letting too much air in. While he was loading it on a too tall trailer they ripped the exhaust off. Now has flex pipe to two cherry bombs back to back. Sounds like the fish from the incredible Mr limpet. So its been dubbed limpet of the sound and that most times I limpet home from Texas.
     

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