Scott Gettings wrote:

Carlos,

Bruce Turrentine's 13B video shows that you can get a good estimation about a
short block engine's compression by turning it with a wrench and listening for
equally spaced and equal character exhaust pulses.  I can watch the video again
and forward the exact details if it will be helpful.  If enough of the cooling
system can be hooked up, it can be pressurized to 15 psi and checked to see if
it will maintain this pressure. This will help assess the side seal integrity.
The appearance of the rotor tip as it passes the exhaust port is also a useful
indicator.

I have not done these tests myself, only forwarding the info. derived from
Bruce's video.  It seems the majority (but not all!) are recommending a tear
down, inspection and rebuilding necessary parts if the engine is going into a
plane.  However, Tracy flew over 800 hours without rebuilding a 100K miles
engine, so it sure ain't gospel!

If there is enough interest, it might seem reasonable to grab a junk RX-7
transmission and cut off the bell housing so a starter could be mounted for
these tests.  Anyone know if there a lot of variation between years and models,
other than manual-vs automatic, that would require more than one
starter-mounting arrangement?  Obviously, if one already has their redrive, it
is not an issue as this will mount the starter.

Scott Gettings

It appears that the TX bolt circle is the same from year to year.

I tried that sound trick.

The exhaust pipe needs to be disconnected. It helps if the manifold is
off as well.  What you need to do to make it work well is take
the plugs out of the front rotor and check the rear. Then take the plugs
out of the rear and put them in the front to check the front separately. 
Or vice versa. Things are too confusing otherwise.

Paul Lamar
 
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