<novel> Hi!



Lisa from Ontario, Canada, here. Just logged on to NOPISTONS for the first time today and I'm also a member of RX7club.com (for a week or so now).



I'll be picking up my 83 Mazda this Sunday. Excellent body and interior condition - NO RUST and almost NO WEAR. $2200 CDN, not certified (although, I'm fairly confident it will pass without too much trouble). I got it started smoothly, but it was revving so high and as soon as I got off the gas, it stalled out. So, at this point I am not sure what shape the heart of the car is in. Tips?



I am familiar with rotary basics - I went through high school for auto mechanics (that's what I wanted to do) and I had a boyfriend who ran 1st Gen RX-7's. However, I have so much to learn so I will be referring to these forums frequently for technical support starting next week.



Before I hand over my money, can anyone offer some basic advice on what to look for visually (on everything but body and interior) when personally inspecting the car?



Short/Long Term Plans: get'er running, then audio & interior



I'm looking to network and meet new friends in the local and surrounding areas who are interested in talking about and learning/teaching rotary basics etc. I'll be shopping for parts. Suggestions and referrals most welcome.



Pics to follow. : )



Thanks for the opportunity!



</novel>

 

hey lisa,



check how easily it starts when cold; turn on the key set the choke, (assuming it has a Nikki carb) pump the thottle a couple of times then start it. it should fire up quickly. also see if it starts with ease after it reaches normal operating temp.



check for any oil leaks, but especially on top of the engine where "12A" is stamped on the rotor housing, also check the oil for signs of coolant seepage. if you have the option, get a compression test done with a rotary engine specific compression tester. have someone rev the motor while its warmed up and look at the exhaust. check the color and also whether you can smell gas or coolant.



the main thing imo is that it is a damage/rust free body, you may want to pull the storage bins to check for unseen rust. finally take a test drive to check that the car tracks straight when you let go of the steering wheel and how well the brakes work.



good luck!

gary 83 gsl

 

The exhaust will probably always smell like gas though since the emissions on rotary engines isn't too great - but it shouldn't be in excess.



Check for oil around the front cover as well (below the water pump - the main pulley goes into it) ....this is a typical problem area for leaks, etc.



Other than that, just make sure it starts when it's warmed up, idles good warmed, etc..



Welcome aboard and good luck!

 

Well, it's official! I am the proud owner of a 1983 Mazda RX-7!



I had someone over yesterday for a consult and he was able to get it running - seller had cheap spark plugs in. He tells me that I have a good working 12A motor, but it needs some TLC.



Aside from tune-up stuff, I will need to fix the alternator, which isn't doing anything, apparently. Ack. I'll have to get a new one or rebuild so that I can get it started and run it regularly going forward.



The Bad news...

RUST. When I looked at the car two weeks ago, I couldn't lift it up to look underneath and the car looked great all around. This week, when I went to pick it up, we got it off the grass and jacked it up. The belly is in need of a big operation.



I will not be driving it this year and may not bring it to MOTM unless I decide to trailer it up. Highly doubtful, because the other vehicle I'm coming up with (S-10) doesn't tow and we'd have to bring a third.



It's going into the garage as soon as we make room for it and then I'll rip everything out and get started on reinforcing (read rebuilding) the floor and new suspension. How many of you have air ride? I guess I'll think about it.



Pictures to follow. : )

 

Welcome to the community. Waiting for pics