Frosty288

See sig for mods. Car has been running pretty weird lately. Very wondering idle (usually goes a bit low, and then goes high for a bit after that. eventually settles to desired idle RPM)

Replaced the plugs and the engine definitely ran smoother, but still didn't feel right and was still experiencing idle issues. Then the past two days or so i've noticed the car sounding like a boat. No joke. It takes a second to start (nothing rediculous, but slightly noticeable) and it's a pretty weak start...sometimes. There is the one off occasion it will fire right up. But it almost sounds like a Subaru, like there is a noticeable que of every rev, as if they're seperated a little bit?? If this makes any sense. Okay, sounds kind of like a boat and a subaru mixed together lol, but coming from a rotary at low revs. Or that one of the plugs isn't firing. I've also noticed in the past few weeks the exhaust note is quite deep. I got a compression test about two weeks ago and it looked like all rotor faces were above 90psi in a cold condition.

I ordered the BHR ignition kit about two weeks ago, just waiting for it to come in, should be shipping soon.

Anyways, fast forward to tonight and im driving back to my house in Williamsburg. Getting on it getting on the interstate and it seems like it hits a wall at about 7500 RPM's and doesn't want to willingly go any further. After this it runs like *****, NO power down low what so ever. And by down low I mean anything under 4-5k. Also seems to have trouble at partial throttle. I didn't notice any misfire event and no blinking of the CEL.

I pull the car into 7-11 and let it sit for a second, and it doesn't seem to have any problem idling at the desired RPM after it 'finds' it. I've been thinking i've had a boost leak, but oh lucky for me the sender on my gauge died and i'm still waiting for the replacement. I inspected the couplers and while they looked like they were gunna give out soon, no actual splits through the entire coupler, just surface damage.

However the compressor outlet elbow gasket (two bolt gasket) was damaged and instead I am using 700 degree RTV until I can find a replacement (seem to be quite hard to find??)

But I shut the car down in the parking lot, and gave it a minute, and it doesn't start. Just spins and spins and spins but doesn't start, nor does it seem like it's even coming close to starting. It's like i've pulled the eccentric shaft pos. sensor out.

We're going to verify that i'm getting spark in the morning. Sorry for the long post..any ideas? I'm thinking the engine is blown but a part of me wants to say the coils are fried or something.

gregs

iTrader: (7)

I went through the same issue as you with the greddy outlet pipe..here is my easy solution that can be easily found:
Old Greddy outlet pipe gasket on back and brand new untouched Greddy type RS Bov Gasket in front

Here is the Greddy Type RS BOV gasket how it fits untouched


Basically slightly enlarge the bolt hole on the gasket and its a perfect and east fit.

Your on the right track with checking spark..before assuming the motor is done I would correct that large boost leak at the outlet pipe..it does sound to me like you have low compression, if you have a chance i would have your compression checked while the engine is warm.

Keep us updated and good luck.

Frosty288

Thanks Gregs. I checked the spark and all seemed strong except the rear-rotor trailing plug. It did fire, but the battery was pretty much dead after all the cranking at that point. Also knowing that it's a trailing plug and won't aid much in starting, and all others were good, I was pretty sure at that point it was dead.

The compression cold was depreciated on each rotation. As in the readings would go from 93psi, 85psi, 78psi, then do another rotation and follow the same pattern through several cranks. The rear rotor was a bit lower and I think topped at 88psi, but also had the same depreciating symptom as the front rotor and went from 88 to 73psi by the final rotor face.

The guy doing the compression test assured me he was pretty confident when warm all numbers would be above 90psi, but I did some research and a few RX7 owners got the same number cold and warm with their tests so..I'm pretty sure my engine was pretty much done. Going to try and get myself another reman.

On a good note..i'll be able to upgrade the turbo while it's out of the car and do all that ceramic coating goodness. This coupled with all the things im getting from my car accident, it'll be like driving a new car in the end lol..hopefully.

PS - Great thinking about the RS gasket! I had a type-RS on my Saab and didn't even think about the gasket on it for the compressor outlet.

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

were the pulses consistent or was there a skip in between ... ?

C-PHLAT

look at you cat, if it glows, its clogged with spent catalyzerists. my guess for what its wirth...4:20

Frosty288

Ah well...I have the AP midpipe so I don't have to worry about the Cat.

And Brettus, I havn't tested it with the plugs out yet, but while it was running you could noticeably hear each rotation. If you've ever heard a Subaru with an exhaust system, it was similar to that.

I'll probably pull a plug and try cranking the engine, but i'll have to charge the battery first. At this point the car is almost back to stock.