Ben Baltrusaitis wrote:
Hi everyone,
I'm looking at buying a 1987 RX-7 hatchback. It has some rust on
the rocker panels. It was setting for 7 months for sale, but it did
start. Unfortunately,
it was started before I got there so I don't know how hard that was. I
do know the battery was and is dead. There may be a short as the battery
wasn't
supposed to be very old, but it won't hold a charge. I have a test
meter.
Motor sounds smooth, although there is an exhaust leak or a cracked
manifold where the pipe bolts to the manifold.
There is a toggle switch on the left lower dash that must be turned on
to supposedly operate the fuel pump???? It was rigged-as the wires come
out of the
engine compartment, over the fender and then through the door opening,
with no holes drilled.
The oil gauge doesn't work, although the owner didn't know it! (How
can you drive a car and not know the oil pressure gauge shows zero?)
I'm thinking its going to need some major electrical repairs.
Also, I saved an e-mail that talked about gotchas on an '86 (Hans
Conser). Seems the exhaust is very expensive on that. Am I correct in
assuming that the '87
exhaust is just as expensive?
In any case, the guy is down to 700 bucks and I plan to buy it on
Tuesday. I would appreciate any comments.
Thanks very much!
Ben
I would pass on this one.
The fuel pump toggle switch indicates that either the fuel injectors are
leaking, or the compression on the engine is low. A properly running car
does not need this feature.
Exhaust systems for these cars are very expensive. $700 for quality
Y-pipe and rear mufflers would be a good price, not including
installation or catalytic converters.
If the car drives OK, have a buddy follow you on a test drive. Rev
engine to red-line. It should pull smoothly all the way. Then, suddenly
lift the accelerator pedal. If your buddy reports a cloud of white or
blue smoke, then engine is pretty worn, and would need a rebuild.
Check all electrical functions. During the drive is a great time to
check for suspension and handling problems, and to see how the
transmission shifts or whines.
In general, these are nice cars to own when they're cream puffs, and a
major drag when they are worn down.
Regards,
Rob