Jerry Hey wrote:

Paul,  tomorrow I am going to choose between an 1986 and a l987 RX-7.
Are the engines of these two years identical?  The 86 is  $1000.00
cheaper but mileage is about the same.  Both seem to be in excellent
condition based on photos.  Jerry

I assume they are both second gen non-turbo. If not identical I think they
are close. I would wait and drive them both.
I hope you have Bruces video on a few checks you can make on the engines.
If you can remove the spark plugs take a compression tester with
you. Take out the schrader valve and watch for three pulses in a row
as the engines are turned over with the starter on each rotor.
If you have a stop watch you could time them from zero to sixty.
Note how well they start from cold. Check the rad for coolant bubbles.

Can anybody else think of a some checks one can make when buying a car?
Its been awhile since I saw Bruces video.

Paul Lamar

Jerry,

If you check with a compression tester make sure you disable the electrical
to the crank angle sensor. You can put the schrader valve back in and see if
the rotor housing will hold pressure. If it does not you will probably have
a bad seal.

Ken Gillanders

I think there is something wrong here Ken. The compression tester will
not leak down on it own with the schrader valve in. What you describe 
is a leak down test. You put the rotor at top dead center. Pressurize
the combustion chamber some how and watch a pressure gage for leak down.

Standard practice on A/C piston engines.

Paul Lamar

 
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