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Apex Seal Replacement?

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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 11:22 AM
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Valerie Donovan's Avatar
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Apex Seal Replacement?

Issue: Need new apex seals

Aside for Mazda, where else could I buy Apex Seals + the springs that won't cost me a fortune? I plan on doing a full motor swap in the future, but for now to get the vehicle running I am looking at a budget between $300-$350 for the Apex seals + the springs. Anyone know where I can find them where I can rely on? I don't want to just order online from a site I know nothing about. Got any leads?
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 11:28 AM
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atkins rotary.
are you doing the engine rebuild yourself?
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 11:28 AM
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You need more than that....parts bill for seals and gaskets will be $800 minimum. ..likely closer to $1200 for a rebuild.
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 11:30 AM
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Mazda is probably the better provider if you're doing a simple rebuild. Atkins Rotary also manufactures seals, but some people have had problems with them.

It's hard to tell your level of experience from this post, but I hope you realize that replacing the seals requires taking the motor out of the car, taking it entirely apart and replacing all the seals (including water and oil seals), and possibly some big parts like housings that may have worn out, for a budget of $1000-2000. So long story short, it's never "just" apex seals. Most people opt to have an already rebuilt motor put in instead.

The other thing is, often mechanics who don't know these cars will throw out suggestions like "oh it must be your apex seals". If that's the case, run far FAR away from them and to a rotary specialist. If you tell us where you're located, perhaps we can recommend one. It's fairly rare for the apex seals to fail, but there are others issues that could be confused with apex seal failure.

Also if you tell us a bit about what symptoms the car is experiencing, perhaps we can troubleshoot together.

Last edited by Loki; Jan 13, 2017 at 11:32 AM.
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 11:46 AM
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I don't need a rebuild at the moment, my seals are just cracked and need replaced. I have a mechanic willing to do the work for $800 just to make a few after holliday bucks.
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 11:47 AM
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It's the apex seals. Had the SSV, Alternator, Spark Plugs, Clutch Kit, Radiator, Battery, and soon to be the Fuel Injectors all replaced. Though I've already done enough research and mechanic ran a few test.
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 11:54 AM
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So what were your compression numbers?
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 11:54 AM
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All I am asking for is where to get the apex seals and springs for around that price
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 11:55 AM
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did he do a rotary comp test? obviously you and your mechanic have no clue what you are talking about. broken/cracked seals=full rebuild. a busted apex, side, or corner seal=full rebuild, will not have good compression, and likely took out at least one housing, rotor, iron but probably much more damage.

i recommend you SEARCH on how a rotary works and whats involved.
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 11:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Valerie Donovan
All I am asking for is where to get the apex seals and springs for around that price
that answer was given 6 minutes after you posted your question.
now, as for whether that's all you'll need to replace apex seals, that's a whole different story...
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 11:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Valerie Donovan
All I am asking for is where to get the apex seals and springs for around that price


Atkins Rotary is pretty good, make sure you replace the timing belt too as the seals going will take it out:
04-08 Rx8 Timing Belt (N3H1-12-205)
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 11:58 AM
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I'm concerned that you're being taken for a ride. 1) as mentioned, replacing the apex seals requires a rebuild. They are deep inside the engine. 2) the clutch kit, radiator, alternator and fuel injectors have nothing in common. Unless you had all kinds of problems with this car, this is weird. 3) not present on that list are ignition coils which are usually the root of the problem. 4) the proper way to diagnose apex seal failure is a compression test, usually we start with that before anything else. Has this been performed?
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 12:00 PM
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lh you forgot to mention the cam, lifters and valve train
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 12:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Valerie Donovan
I don't need a rebuild at the moment, my seals are just cracked and need replaced. I have a mechanic willing to do the work for $800 just to make a few after holliday bucks.
lol, "a few after holiday bucks". Ok. I get it. He either has no idea of what he's talking about, or he's taking you for a ride. Run.
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 12:07 PM
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a compression test was ran, and I believe the rear rotor is losing compression bad. Sorry, just somewhat busy at the moment and in a hurry.
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 12:12 PM
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was it a rotary comp tester? what are the 6#s and rpm?

when you pay your mechanic for replacing your apex seals i would bring this with you

https://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Sensua...s=wicked+jelly
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 12:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Valerie Donovan
a compression test was ran, and I believe the rear rotor is losing compression bad. Sorry, just somewhat busy at the moment and in a hurry.
I feel like you're going to get taken for a ride on this...
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 12:41 PM
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From: BALLS DEEP
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 01:04 PM
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A message from your "mechanic":


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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 01:06 PM
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From: BALLS DEEP
9k i added a link to prep for that certain outcome
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 01:21 PM
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 01:35 PM
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I hope he/she has gotten the point

Maybe let this go..............
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 03:25 PM
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 04:17 PM
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Can we clean up this thread? One or two jokes are to be expected, but let's not outdouche the mechanic in question.
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 04:49 PM
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Oh, relax. Geesh.
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