while cranking, it registers only 2 or 3 in-Hg. Is this normal? I'll do a compression test next weekend.

 

Yeah, but how does it run?



If it's always hard to start and low on power it MAY be weak apex springs and/or chipped seal but usually they just break and it won't run at all or only marginally (personal expierience!)



A constant regular popping sound from the exhaust and movement of the motor on its mounts indicates a chipped or possibly cracked apex seal.

 

it cranks, but it won't run on its own. It has spark and fuel......just won't turn over. When I start it, the engine doesn't even twist. You know when you start an engine, it would twist and turn on the motor mount. I don't have that. I can see the belts turn though. But when I put the car in gear and push it, I feel resistance and can hear the engine sucking in air.

 

so mabye a bad starter motor or battery?

 

Try this:



1. Take plugs out one at a time (one from front and one from rear rotor trailing or leading- whichever is easier to get at)



Pull the egi fuse out in the enginebay.



Crank and listen for almost identical strong whoosing (for want of a better description) noises.



They should be all the same and quite loud.



This indicates that all the seals are sealing.



2. If step one was okay, put plugs,leads and egi fuse back in.



Pull hose and blanking nipple off the upper inlet manifold (on the turbo side).



Squirt about 10-20 mls of a thin oil-based liquid (thin machine oil can be fine) into the inlet manifold through the pipes.



Try to start the motor.



This will usually start a low compression motor as the oil seals the rotors temporarily during cranking. If you get it running, then you may be able to diagnose if there's a problem with your seals- chipped, broken or just plain worn out.



If this doesn't work and you appear to have good compression then start going over all your electrics again, but usually it's compression in the motor.



Good luck!

 

I performed compression test. 30 and 70 psi for the front and rear rotor, respectively. Anyway, the engine is coming out. BTW, where can I get a how-to rebuild video?

 

Atkins Rotary sells the video still I think.