Hello all,
I bought a 2004 RX8 with low compression on front rotor, decent on rear. I've pulled and stripped down to the "short block" but have not disassembled the engine. I would like to rebuild this myself, and have done many motors, but no rotors. I know that some places will not take the core if it has been disassembled. I'd like to take it apart and see whats inside, but want to have the option to send out for rebuild if needed. are there places that take cores once you have opened them up?


My engine lost the water pump about a week before it lost compression. The day it lost compression the owner drove over 200 miles, parked then when he went to use it again, it ran but entered limp home mode. Then he took it to a shop and they diagnosed the bad compression on front cylinder and also found it was flooded and had a bad trailing coil pack on the front rotor. (this is the best I can recall from our conversation). I figure that there may be damage from overheating, or the failed coil pack.

 

No generally most places will not take a core that has been taken apart. As for rebuilding yourself. it is possible but takes the right tools and experience to do it right.

 

I would like to do it myself, not sure what special tools are required, but I'm not afraid to buy tools. I assemble my own 4cyl race engines. I understand these are all different, but would like to try it.

Can you get a tool to do the compression test, and test the assembled motor prior to installing it in the car? I saw someone was starting to make a tool to do this, not sure if its available yet. Or if the project died.

 

I suggest you take a look at the RX-8 engine workshop manual before you dive in.

http://www.normalexception.net/docum...hop-Manual.pdf

 

Right click --- Save as


Now I'm dangerous

just read the whole start here thread. wowzers. aka post #5 of 10

also, found enough on the cooling system to convince myself to ditch and plug not bypass the coolant lines to tb.

also going to evaluate ditching the Air injection pump and solenoid. way too much engine bay clutter. I think I will drop the cat too.

 

IT also looks like you're just posting to get your count up. You could try editing your previous post.

I spent about 800 bucks on tools for my rebuild, but if you rebuild engines you might have a few of the things like magnetic base dial indicator, precision v blocks, and bearing puller.

 

I'm just curious to know how beneficial it is to just replace all the internal seals and to just reuse the same rotors and housings and side plates? assuming that the rotors, side plates and housings are still in good condition as far as no scratches or gouges go. The only other concern is wear in the housings and side plates.

thanks guys

 

A step wear tool and 18" precision straight edge can be used to check the irons. The housings just have to be looked at and make a decision. Thats where experiance comes in. If you want a better engine replace them. If you're willing to risk some power and engine life make your decision. If you guess wrong you might have to do all the work again and replace seals again.

 

Yes, I am trying to get my post count up so that I may post in other forum sections.
From what I have read, the Irons do not go bad from normal use, but corrosion and gouging are possible. I do have a magnetic base dial indicator, and a straight edge.

 

Project on hold broke my neck on the race track. Many months to recover.... and read rc8club.com

 

 

Sorry to hear that man, listen to medical advice, recovery time and rehab are critical to your quality of life in the future.

 

HOLY Hannah!
Get well soon.

 

Sorry to hear this and hope recovery goes well.
I needed 7 months to recover when I broke my back.