I just bought a 77 rx-4. It has sat for about 15 years. The engine wont rotate but I hear thats normal. The oil looks good. I check the plugs and they look good, the carb is gummy but no rust and butterflys are clean (like new). What do I need to do to get it unlocked? Ive never worked on a rotary so im lost on this. Thanks for any help!!

 

you can try putting some MMO or liquid wrench down the throttle bores and letting it soak for a day or two. then go after turning it by hand.

 

side plates may have corroded to side seals. If it wont turn over after a good dose of penetrating oil pull it apart or replace block.

 

you also want to be gently trying to turn the engine both ways

 

why dont they just make the side seals out of hardened aluminum? it wont rust, and its hard, so it wont break easily.

 

how do they wear?

 

This I know . Aluminum is way too soft of a metal and melts at a low temp. You wouldnt go very far before needing a rebuild. I let the engine soak in ATF today. Still nothing... Maybe tomorrow. How long should this take? Is there anything else I can do?

 

I would have tried wd-40 or some other similar instead of a heavy oil or ATF.

 

it depends on how bad it is. if its just carbon stuck, maybe 24hours, if its been parked for 20years cause it blew a coolant seal then its never gonna break loose.



one trick is to pull the round rubber plug off the bottom of the trans, and use a big giant prybar to turn the engine via the flywheel teeth. not sure if a 77 would have that plug though

 

That plug would be on the top of the bellhousing, if it has one. Some ribcases had them and some didn't.