[MSCW list] MSCW Digest, Vol 87, Issue 8

[Christopher Regan]

Message: 1
Date: Fri, 9 Nov 2012 13:38:49 -0500 (EST)
From: JBRERX7 at aol.com
To: mscw at mscw1.com
Subject: [MSCW list] Storing & Restarting a Rotary Engine after months
??? in??? storage
Message-ID: <12c19.580497e1.3dcea7b9 at aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Suggest the author check with a Mazda RX-7 or RX-8 mechanic as there may be 
something specific with rotary engines (seals, oil/gas combustion process) 
that? may preclude one to follow a set of procedures different than a 
reciprocating? engine.

As stated previously, make sure your electrical system is? optimal 
(battery, cables, plug wires, spark plugs) as you'll need all the? maximum power to 
set off the combustion process otherwise you'll end? up flooding the engine. 
That happened to me, in the last century, with my? 2nd Gen convertible.
Finally, you may need to change your oil (out of a cold engine).???Whether 
this needs to be done or not, is something an experienced rotary? mechanic 
would comment on.

I believe Bret De Pedro of RP Performance is listed on the MSCW web? page.? 
That's one source and three others would be mechanic Phil Ruhl @? 
Gaithersburg Mazda, the Mazda dealership where the recent VA tech session was? held 
and the Mazda dealership in Alexandria.

Finally there is the RX-7 web site where all the rotor heads (what is left? 
of them) hang out.? You can sign-up, check the topic in the historical? 
threads (which go back years) or start a new one related to this? question.? 

Even though we once filled the roads with our rotary engines, and those? 
days are gone, there are still a few active rotor heads, as we say good-bye to 
the RX-8, and await the return of the magnificent 7 in 2017.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out, as I may have to store my car,? 
in the not-to-distant future-thanks.

Regards, 
John Becker
'09 RX8/R3
'04 3s


>
>? I have a '95 RX that I have had in storage (i.e. neglected, if you? 
like),
> which has not been started for about one year; prior to this it? was in 
> good
> running order. My question is this: to get the car? going again, do I just
> put in a battery and turn the key, or are there? some precautions I should
> take before doing so? What's the best way to? get my RX going again 
without
> damaging the engine? All advice? welcomed.
>
>
> Many thanks,? Simon
>

Simon,
??? Here are some suggestions for restarting an engine that has been dormant for a long time period.? 
1) Disconnect the battery and remove the spark plugs and turn over the engine by hand.? The rotary engine has very little rotating resistance and without the spark plugs installed?resistance from compression will be minimal.? Simply use a?ratchet and socket on the big?nut on the front of the eccentric shaft?(deep in the main pulley).? This will at a minimum ensure there is no corrosion locking up the motor and also potentially push out through the spark plug holes any?condensation buildup.
?
2) Squirt just a little 2 stroke oil into the spark plug holes to help free up/lubricate the seals for this first start.? Some people suggest using ATF for drastically seized up engines but since yours shows no indication of this a little 2 stroke oil will be fine.?? It may smoke a bit on startup but it burns off quicky.
?
2)?Install new spark plugs.
?
3) "prime" the fuel system.? Well not really "prime" the system but run the fuel system without starting the car.? This will circulate the fuel in the system and ensure there are no pockets of bad fuel or water that can result in a blown engine.? Simply remove the ignition relay and jumper across the two connectors in the "diagnosis" port between F/P and GND. With key on you?should hear the fuel pump running.? I'd suggest adding some fuel additive that evaporates off the water.
?
4) Make sure you have a good battery.?FWIW 3rd gen RX7's don't seem to suffer from the same flooding problems as 2nd gen RX7's. It will either start right up or it won't start at all.??:-)
?
Good luck.? Rotaries are pretty robust and start up easily even after sitting for a while if stored well.
?
Regards,
Crispy
? - '93 RX7