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View Full Version : Low Compression, fix without rebuild?


12arotary
04-07-2009, 08:38 AM
Anyone know of anything out there that will boost my compression even just a little bit? I'm now up to 224,800 original miles on my 88 and its showing just about 78 on both rotors even, It runs wonderfully its just a little difficult to start when its luke warm fine when hot just sitting hot for about ten min and it floods a lot- I'd rather just see how long it can run, I have a replacement engine ready to go in any time but its my proof tool to how long rotarys can last when taken care of http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/26brotary/468647.gif

solareon
04-07-2009, 08:45 AM
try putting in a fuel cut switch. 224k miles is pretty good but some people have gotten past 300k. There is a local guy here with over 300K on his 13b in a 1st gen. When mazda switched to the 3 piece seals you just aren't gonna get that much life out of them

12arotary
04-07-2009, 08:52 AM
try putting in a fuel cut switch. 224k miles is pretty good but some people have gotten past 300k. There is a local guy here with over 300K on his 13b in a 1st gen. When mazda switched to the 3 piece seals you just aren't gonna get that much life out of them

I'd rather fix the problem rather than band aid it haha (fuel switch)
I think I will probably rebuild before I do that haha

and yes on the first gens 13b's lasting longer- I have an fb with 201,000 on it now and its running fine still though its a 12a so its going to end up with the housing flaking catching up with it first

classicauto
04-07-2009, 11:01 AM
anything that's going to "fix" that problem will be a bandaid. So if you're not down for a bandaid, rebuild it :)

But there's really not much to do for low comp other then throwing a bunch of oil in the engine. And there's not many ways of doing that aside from dumping it inside one way or the other. As sated a fuel cut switch could allow you to prevent some of the floods, but if the comp is too low to start consisntently then there's absolutely no way around it without a bandaid.

vex
04-07-2009, 11:12 AM
Bandaids that may or may not help:

Get injectors cleaned and flow tested.
Use heavier oil
that's about all I can think of off the top of my head.

need RX7
04-07-2009, 01:10 PM
I must have got lucky. My S4 n/a has 202,xxx miles and I believe the comp was at least 85 psi last time I did a test and it starts in under 3 seconds any time.:001_005:

It was alot worse when I got it though, but I did alot of work to it:
- Injectors cleaned and flow tested
- All new intake and exhaust manifold gaskets
- New injector plugs (mine were all janky beyond repair)
- Emissions removal (cats, rat's nest, air pump, EGR)


I think having the injectors cleaned will help alot with the flooding. I used Witch Hunter Performance, A+ service.

rx4ur7
04-07-2009, 02:52 PM
Really no fix for low compression. I don't think you can even say bandaid, more like a spray of bactine maybe.

Cleaning injectors, fuel cut might buy you a few months. At least it might be easier to start for awhile. You know it is short term and you have the other motor. Drive it till it drops. You are over Mazda's projections.

Redline fuel injection cleaner. As will the cut switch. Half bottle per tank, two tanks, once a year and you should never have any injector issues. Works on all models. Also Redline formula is the only aftermarket that I know of that is approved by Mazda. Heavier oil not necessarily going to help with compression. Lighter might because you would blow by more, so more would get to the combustion chamber. Neighbors probably wouldn't like you, unless you have a mosquito problem.

Usual life expectancy in Tucson is 180K for the 2nds. Most are at replacement criteria specs at 140. Dry heat isn't kind to the round motor.

Flooder
04-07-2009, 06:02 PM
I'd say just put in a fuel cut switch and use it to shut the car off every time. That's what I do and I never have any issues with getting it started, hot or cold. And honestly, if you aren't wanting a bandaid fix, then just rebuild the motor, because you can't raise your compression.

12arotary
04-08-2009, 12:37 AM
I'm going to take the injectors out and have them cleaned, did it like two years ago but then I sold the car it went through three people and I bought it back so who knows what happens, though is 80 psi just too low?

and I want to put off the rebuild as long as possible cause then I loose my high mileage bragging rights, stupid reason but oh well haha
Oh and it does have all new intake gaskets and throughly cleaned intake throttle body afm and all emissions have been removed about 15k miles ago

RRTEC
04-08-2009, 07:45 AM
Your compression may be low due to the flooding issues.... When an Rx-7 floods the fuel mixes with the oil contaminating it. I have had motor's build almost no compression due to thinned out oil. I would address the fuel system, then change the oil with a 20w50 weight and see if your compression numbers don't come back up.

12arotary
04-08-2009, 10:49 PM
I didn't check when it was flooded, and when it floods it's just flooded for a sec I pull the injector fuse and it fires right up plus it only floods if i run it then let it sit till its not hot but its not cold otherwise it fires no problem- I just changed the oil to 5w40 and it shows a good solid 80 on all faces on both rotors-

And I'm just asuming it's low comp due to 224k miles haha