Your Rotary Engine Needs a Rebuild - What Do I do? - How Much Will it Cost?

[@mcgrawde]

Been a tech for 40 years with zero experience on rotaries who just bought an RX8 with low compression. Your no nonsense approach video is just what I was looking for. Keep up the amazing vids and your passion for these engines.

[@RADPotential]

Thank you sir!!! Its a lot of me talking, but its all in one place

[@willg125]

how are things going?

[@mcgrawde]

@@willg125 2500 km on a Mazda reman itching to send it. Now 6 speed manual and absolutely love the car. Amazing handling

[@willg125]

@@mcgrawde fantastic! Was the swap a better option than a rebuild?

[@mcgrawde]

@@willg125 The Mazda reman came with all necessary gaskets, flywheel, water pump, new thermostat and more. It was under $4k CDN before taxes. Parts pricing for rebuild would likely be more if any hard parts would be required. Not regretting my

[@DeMoeAurelius]

I like how you broke down the differences and levels of involvement with Rotaries for the general knowledge.

[@RADPotential]

Thank you sir!!!

[@mariareyes-vp2ko]

How do I Get in contact with you I’ve been fooled by several people 😢 already fixing my Rx7

[@happyfeet97]

Well explained bro 👏 well done

[@albertcurielx]

holy cow man I think I now know more about this engine than my local mechanic LOL you're a genius dude!

[@RADPotential]

Thanks man!!!

[@youretheChrist]

​@@RADPotential there's so much information in so little time

[@quad_jake904]

Thank you so much. I've been sitting on my FC since high school, and I'm finally gaining confidence and insight enough to dive into the engine rebuild because of people like you in the rotary community

[@Smackgaming]

I swear this is the most useful/informative channel I have ever watched. Please keep this up, it’s helped me so much

[@RADPotential]

Thank you sir!!

[@carlosbermudez4444]

really I thought the same

[@chancecannon5777]

Very informative vid man. Recently got a s2 rx8, 8,600 original miles. Couldn’t be happier

[@RADPotential]

Heck yea man!! Thats a sick buy for sure. S2 rx8s are hard to come by!!

[@poncho828]

Nice find. My S2 has approximately 109k miles on it and it runs like a champ! I've owned it for over 5 years and it has been very reliable.

[@JuicyJesse94]

I want to get an FC and was nervous about getting into rotaries but, this made me way more confident. Awesome video, thank you!

[@dennisschott2352]

I appreciate the depth of information in your video. I very much appreciate the time you took to make this video. 65 years old, rebuilt regular engines and transmissions with success. Rebuilding a rotary when you can't get parts ( housings or irons), it seems a little daunting. Have had my car a number of years, going to try anyhow. Really really appreciate your video.

[@Nelis1992]

19:11 ''When shit hits the fan, its creates a giant shitstorm'' Old video but very usefull info! Thanks!

[@ShadowFox_901]

I bought a 13b and am starting my first rebuild on it. This was very helpful.

[@BrianGochnauer]

'Freeze plug' is a misnomer; they are actually casting plugs, the holes used during the casing process to remove the casting 'sand' from internal portions of the casting and then closed with a plug.

[@lochsloy217]

The mount of information in such a small amount of time is really impressive! And very helpful as I’m getting ready to rebuild my FC motor.

[@mikeyforge2386]

This video was awesome and I appreciate the fact that it's out here for me to watch a year later

[@m0d.]

Thank you for this. Really. Thank you!!

[@joshuachandra6677]

No one shares this intimate knowledge of a rotary engines."secrets" Thank you for sharing unbiased practical knowledge and experience. Most definitely got a sub!

[@rogerf8021]

my buddy next door had his rx8 since new and had no idea there was a button above license plate that opened his trunk he always used key or latch inside car

[@jay-zzenzano3166]

Best video i could ever ask for my m8! Holly cow!

[@christophernorkoski2011]

Super helpful! My stock 85 12A is hard to cold-start. I pulled it out of a barn a year and half ago, sat 15 years before that. I know it's only a matter of time before a rebuild is in order, and this helps to set expectations. For now I'm tempted to keep driving until it gets worse.

[@RADPotential]

Does it hot start? Cold start is probabaly just a carb issue

[@christophernorkoski2011]

@@RADPotential Yeah starts up great when hot. First thing I did was rebuild the carb (Nikki, with rats nest). I also fixed all the vacuum leaks/broken tubes I can find, etc. Some steam out of tailpipe when I cold start, it's also worse the longer the car has been sitting. But I don't see any coolant drop, or its VERY small.

[@RADPotential]

Id bet that engine is fine. Just a tune up to the carb should do you solid!

[@christophernorkoski2011]

@@RADPotential Thanks for the support! This conversation has reminded me to check the intake coolant seals as well.

[@BrandonAnderson-tp4oq]

Bro I bought my first rotary like 4 days ago(I've legitimate dreamed about this car) and all I've done is listen to your videos haha thank u!

[@chrisylink]

Just picked up a 85 can't wait to get started on it 🤟

[@Avtomat_Killashnikov]

Wow man, I appreciate the hell out of you for putting this video and your whole channel together with so much info, its a gold mine for rotary knowledge. I feel like I owe you for this. Keep it up!!

[@edlippjr]

This is so frickin cool! I have a '79 pops bought the year I was born, been with me ~42 years! It still drives pretty well but does smoke a good bit, pretty sure it's the coolant seals. This video is so dead spot on for exactly my situation it's... RAD! :)

[@rupertonewbill1417]

Just binged watched all the Holley sniper efi videos Rx7 series. Really good content. You have my subscription sir.

[@RADPotential]

Thanks man!!!!!

[@shneaky187]

One of the best rotary channels, you're the best bro!

[@ryanlamb8458]

Great video! Thank you so much! As everyone else has said, your approach to this is unparalleled. Please keep making videos for rotaries. The community NEEDS you!

[@BrattyBiker]

I don't even have a Mazda RX but I love watching your stuff man, keep it up!

[@smokino9387]

Just crystal clear, I got recently my rx8 and I see tons of videos on engine, this is actually first tutorial that is totally understandable to me. 🥇👍. Thanks

[@jojosants2530]

Bro this is awesome info! About to buy an FB and this totally opened my eyes. I can’t wait now. I love puzzles man, thank you!

[@Cassaknova]

Rotary legend! I love watching your videos. Getting me ready to do a rebuild when the time comes. Lol

[@VictorMPR]

Dude! Thank you so much. This is as straight forward a video about rotary info as I’ve ever seen. Thank you also for that link on the book! I may just find that RX-8 with a blown engine to rebuild.

[@Barkevshadian]

My superchrged rotary did a 3 km hillclimb on 30 degree Celsius day with the water pump off! The temp dial was off the charts! That was 15 years ago! Still running same engine with no issues! Ceramic seals , viton o rings are good investment!

[@nzuncovered1845]

Ianetti seals?

[@Barkevshadian]

@@nzuncovered1845 Correct.

[@nzuncovered1845]

@@Barkevshadian Great I heard they are guaranteed for life

[@Barkevshadian]

@@nzuncovered1845 I believe others parts will fail but the seals will still be in working order. I thrash this engine and it is still running. Honestly, i want it to fail to i can install a 3 rotora But the SOB is still going and proving me with 400 WHP!

[@nzuncovered1845]

@@Barkevshadian Damn that sounds fun, 400hp on a supercharged 13B? what supercharger do you have? I was told you can't use forced induction with ceramic seals because of detonation.

[@KingatowCrew]

absolutely awsome video ..I am a old v8 knuckle head and I am about to head down the rotary rabbit hole and your video was perfect exactly what I needed ...thank you

[@ferduart]

Damn, i don´t even own a rotary but always appreciated the knowledge about it, got this recommended, your channel is very informative, subbed!

[@RADPotential]

Thank you sir!!!!! Everyone is welcome!!

[@TheGflex1]

Love your channel!, really underrated....

[@AudreysKitchen]

Don't have a rotary engine vehicle, never driven or even been in one. But I think they're interesting, so I am wanting to learn more about how they work and what a rebuild entails. This is a great video! Thanks man!

[@Bug-vl3pb]

Incredibly informative and well presented video. As a guy who recently became interested in rotaries and knew very little about the engines themselves, everything was very easy to understand and answered many of my questions! Thanks

[@L.C.A.car_adventure_channel]

Had to watch it again and afcourse subscribed because I am going tomorrow to check out two FA RX7 where one is apparently a parts car because of rust and the other was parked two years ago but has a cracked radiator and they removed the oil cooler and made apparently just a bypass. Frankly I think the cooling liquid frozen in winter and that's why the radiator went but this means that the engine is likely damaged also. But what I can't figure it out how the oil cooler cracked and that is a big concern. The problem is finding decent rx7 or part's in Europe so everything is sadly double expensive then in US, afcourse if you can find the part's. Great video and afcourse super explanation and I will definitely enjoy your Chanel.

[@MrJasonburak]

I have 4 12A’s i want to take apart this summer to see what is salvageable, mainly my 79 12A since it seized while turning over and it’s been killing me why it seized. I love these videos, lots of knowledge in a little amount of time. Well done sir, keep it up.

[@RADPotential]

Probabaly a stationary gear bearing. Id bet on it haha!!!!! Good luck with them all!!!! Hope you find some usable parts.

[@MrJasonburak]

@@RADPotential I’ll keep you updated

[@shanesimmons6079]

Thank you so much for your videos bro I cannot exain how much this has helped me with the rx8 I just traded my 93 mx6 for , perfect explanation of how a rotary works

[@thesecretsquirrel5935]

I make alot of the parts for Formula One engines, especially turbo's. Cylinder Heads. Formula One engines that rev to 23k on the test beds create incredible heat which of course melts normal metals. so therefore we put a liner inside the high heat areas of Inconel 618. of course these engines come in at 5 million $ but it would be interesting to see a garagista do something similar with one of these. very DO-able.

[@redcatxb125]

What engine ran up to 23k?

[@sethfulton7011]

⁠​⁠@@redcatxb125based on context i think they’re saying that some have made it that high in extremely specific conditions during testing. doesn’t necessarily mean the engine fully survived it or that it’s feasible in the real world, (and it probably went that high to test the breaking point in RPMs) but that the parts they’re talking about (or at least the material they’re made of) handled the heat generated from those engines being run that hard

[@alexgould763]

This was great! I just bought a gsl se, runs good but going to do a re build as it has never been done since 84. All the info I needed was here. Thanks dude!

[@mikeexarhos5383]

New to me RX7 purchase and great entry level explanation for me. Thanks for sharing

[@neitodesu]

Awesome timing, i'm getting ready to tear down this block I bought to see exactly what it is since noone in my community can recognize it lol that book should come in hand as well thank you for all the info you put out! That Chips Motorsports build looks so clean! I actually stay near that place and they do very good work, looking forward to that build!

[@RADPotential]

Good luck man!! Always fun tearing down engines around here!!

[@neitodesu]

@@RADPotential thank you man, is there anyway I'd be able to pm you a couple questions about my setup?

[@RADPotential]

Shoot me a message on instagram

[@1xBossup]

Thank u for sharing your knowledge! Very appreciated

[@axelmed01]

Had my first coolant seal leak and this showed me how to fix it, thank you for keeping it plain and easy for me

[@RADPotential]

Heck yea man!!!! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@djfunkycraig]

Love your vids mate, I’ve subscribed, you’re worth way more subscribers so doing my bit, love me rotarys!!

[@PNWArmsAdventurer]

I just wish you lived in Oregon. Would love my own personal mechanic on these 😅 Sure, ideally I just need to learn it for myself.

[@MrMeoow91]

Your video is very informative regarding Rotary potential failure areas and how they happened. I had watched all the popular videos about the Rotary engine and yours has given me more anxiety than ever as I own an 86' S4 NA RX7 (only 60,000 miles)...😂😂😂 Mine is having an oil leak running down from the Oil pedestal (not sure yet) and perhaps could also be the Oil return line (which is right below the oil pedestal). I need to bring it to a shop to check it out.

[@AMADOFUENTESJR]

Man good stuff 3 years ago huh? Where ya at now?

[@stevevenegas5271]

Very good info I think that’s the best info I got

[@does_not_matter_91]

Ok, that is amazing video. I'm so glad I got here. I bought my 2010 RX-8 R3 almost 2 years ago. I'm thinking about doing a rebuild on my own, and this video gives me some additional courage to chase the topic, get more info and try to do it at some point.

[@josefsolichiii6855]

Best you-rotary-tuber ❤

[@carlosbermudez4444]

Thanks for sharing your experience/knowledge with all..... Sadly getting this doesn't happen with puertoricans rotorheads. Anyone fron Delaware?

[@wiredbygaz]

Great Video as usual. Thanks!

[@jamesstewart505]

What a great video! Concise and to the point .

[@rlynch8310]

There's the whole part about front and rear counterweights I need more help with . ..Also tricks and techniques about how to remove the important eccentric shaft bolts as well as it's removal. . . .. Let's not forget about oil metering pump. . .. .I need some videos showing me those parts before I tackle my own rebuild. . . ..I also need a video showing me how to get the crank angle sensor right along with the timing marks. . .How to land the rotors right when placing them back into the engine stackup. . This was a great video for me to understand some key things about what major parts to use and why. Thank you .. . 86 S4 N/A

[@RADPotential]

Search back on the channel. I have videos on most of that I think. It's somewhere

[@seanguy8660]

Hi man how are you + it’s Dom from down under - I have a 84 12a motor and box - it’s leaking from the dowl pin front near dizzy - also I have a gearbox noise very bad when cold with the clutch is out - I have to start it always with clutch in till it’s warm - I’ve done the needle bearing and seal in the back of shale , I’m worry a little about doing the pull down and rebuild on my 12a , it’s runs so well drives well - I brought it about 16 years ago and have had in my dry garage till last year , it started first go - it my first rotor motor - I have the rotor bug now - I really would like to succeed with my car . My little glc coupe my first car - thx man dom

[@Skater3z3b]

I just love watching rotary videos! Great work man! I can't wait to have you check out the new build I"m putting in my IT7 based car. Keep up the good videos man.

[@93octanecarclub26]

Thank you so much for this video on explaining rebuilding rotary I own 2 rx8 since I was 15 and I’m still learning so much. I love how they sound and feel it’s a different experience and eventually I want to do rebuild shop Bc not that many people do them I guess I’m a dying breed.. but anyways great video and thanks again for your help on explaining in depth ✌🏻

[@vangogle1]

Great video!! Don't change anything!!

[@romanyates8572]

Hey I just bought a 04 and acts like wants to start and shoots flames out pipes but wont fully start. Tried pulling it as well. I did do a compression test but not with one made for these cars and best guess is front rotor has low compression while rear seems great. Motor sounds good turning over as well. Has brand new plugs need to upgrade coils and wires see if that helps which ones on it seems new just oem. Car came with coil overs exhaust cold air Intake and whatever else they upgraded. And is the 6 speed 6 port. If have to plan to pull motor and rebuild myself. Eventually plan to fully build it once learn alot on this type of motor first that is

[@rubyremi3832]

Great video, just about to import a series 1 from Japan, really helpful to know this stuff going forward

[@sasukekiller420]

This was a great video, thank you for all the insight on motor building!

[@mikeplat4745]

I've never tried on a rotary but I know I've used "Comet" on piston engine rebuilds to help get the rings to seat during the initial start. It works like a charm on piston engines, I don't see why it wouldn't work on a rotary as well but I haven't done a rebuild on one yet. Pretty sure I'm going to have to shortly though. My son and I are doing a fb barn find rebuild right now. Keep up the great videos!

[@RADPotential]

I will look into that stuff. Is it like an assembly lube? Good luck with the FB. should be plenty of videos back when I restored an overheated 12a last year for the FB guys. Full fuel system overhaul

[@mikeplat4745]

@@RADPotential No it is an actual household powder form cleaner. It works well for deglazing and seating rings on a new build or one that has been sitting for a while. You get it running than start sprinkling it down its throat while running, obviously don't go nuts. Like I said it works like a charm on a piston engine.

[@mikeplat4745]

You are a smart guy so once you see what it is you will understand why it works.

[@RADPotential]

Hell yea. Id be interested to try that. Maybe I'll do a what I have laying around build and see if it would help that!!

[@BrendanRobison]

Appreciate the insight , thank you very much!

[@ziggybro5898]

Thx for your input. Idea like to get in touch and pick. Your brain. On a build

[@hockeydudejerry]

Awesome stuff! Great info

[@frankielacayo9198]

Super dope. Thanks for the info.

[@billlll1]

I love your videos how you you pay attention to detail I started watching your videos because of it my son has a 1995 Mazda FD RX7 it has blown the rear seals on the rear rotor and we live in Chicago and there’s nowhere to take this car to get it fixed if you are willing to take this job I will trailer this car all the way down to you let me know.

[@AvoiidTheVoiid]

Never clicked on a video so fast, thank you!!

[@RADPotential]

Thanks man!!! I think you had commented asking a few videos back!

[@AvoiidTheVoiid]

@@RADPotential yes I did, it can just be very confusing since some kits come with a lot of things that you might not need or something you don’t know exactly where it goes. This definitely helps out a lot!

[@steveguest8028]

Great video very informative 👍

[@29Automotive]

You can still get series 4 / 5 Irons and housing brand new 👌 for how long though who knows.

[@anthonylarson9756]

how?

[@29Automotive]

@@anthonylarson9756 there is still tons of new old stock I just bought 2 sets of plates and housings brand new plates from Japan housings from America

[@juanmangerita]

I always replace the apex seals and hone the rotor housings, lap the plates, bearings etc

[@RADPotential]

I'm on the train of do as much as you can while you're in there. I dont like re work haha

[@juanmangerita]

@@RADPotential sometimes customer wants a low budget rebuilt.. But u have to remember that if it fails then they gona blame the the technician..

[@RADPotential]

Every time haha!!. Cost, Quality, Delivery Time, Pick 2. But yea I don't do budget builds for anyone but my own junk lol.

[@juanmangerita]

@@RADPotential great vids.

[@efaracing4000]

Fantastic info and video mate! Really enjoyed listening to someone who has the experience and knowledge to pass on to us fellow shed builders( i use the kitchen its cleaner for engines🤣) Thanks alot man from me and the people who dont bother to return the love THANKS!

[@RADPotential]

You're welcome man!!!! Thanks for watching!!!!

[@Mok_26]

Great info!

[@sivart731]

man you are great at explaining it all. Good job!

[@mickgrose6743]

Great video man. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@willjunkin732]

Brother that was one video you should have done long ago. Great video. Great detail of information. Was out of the rotary game for about 20 yrs but back in it. I wish I could buy you a drink of your choice and get you a cookie to spend time picking your brain. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@RADPotential]

Thank you man!!!! I gave up beer 2 years ago. Have been more of a bourbon guy as of late if I drink anything at all. may try to schedule a live stream of sorts In the coming months.

[@willjunkin732]

What flavor bourbon do you drink. I personally am a cheap date. I drink Evan Williams. Very cool

[@nzuncovered1845]

Have you looked into isometric finishing on side plates, housings, eccentric shaft etc. ?

[@sandiblues]

Lot of great tips man. I didn't understand the relation between filled iron edges to match ports and triangle apex seals parts falling into bridges. If you care to say a few more words on that great, if it's a long explanation to write I have two more simple questions. Saw Rob Dahm building a rotary and when assembling he told not to compress the parts (irons and other sections) too much together because later when the parts gain some relief the seals might come off. That was prior the torque down of everything etc. It wasn't too logical to me because I expected from that point onwards that everything will just get tighter together not loosened at any point of the work. Maybe you know what he meant with that. Another thing I noticed is some aftermarket apex seals have stronger/bigger triangle bits to make them more resilient to fail. Is there any particular reason why Mazda didn't go by default with something like that but in a more extreme version. I mean, make the apex be a 2/3 + 1/3 part instead of this small chunk. I hope my questions are easy to understand. Keep up with the good work!

[@graymatter78-23]

Titanic level rust, that part got me lol

[@RADPotential]

I need to see if I can find some pictures from old ones I have torn down. Not even kidding. Titanic

[@mr.mercury4247]

So just wondering, it IS possible to have bad housings/irons resurfaced correct? Because if I either have to keep using my worn 175k mile housings and wearing out apex seals fast that doesn't sound like a worthwhile situation.

[@dylandocherty8637]

I’m thinking of buying an rx7 from Japan and having it shipped and I’m trying to get as much information as I can on the engine and what could go wrong this helps a lot

[@chrispy350]

Well done. Fun to listen to....

[@Avi42785]

Thanks man,

[@DStead2239]

powerseal apex seals, OEM softseals, big turbo, e85 for that no knock life, haltech elite to keep the thing together and go skid it lol

[@edge13429]

Very well explained! Thank you!

[@mokokawi]

What tools do I need to take off big bolts....and to torque back on

[@EngTecher]

I wish I knew more about rotary engines. You do not happen to live in California close by? lol, anyways, I parked it because of tire & wheel issues, so I am hoping the engine is still good. Going to watch some more videos.

[@RobMcFadyen]

Great info on all your videos. I’m going to build a unicorn…turboed 4 Rotor. I know enough to be dangerous about rotaries but have never worked on them. If you were going to go down this path what were be your dream engine? I haven’t decided. Thx!

[@RETMTM]

This is arguably the BEST run through of a Rotary Engine I have seen. You Sir are a champion. Can REW sequentials flow enough for a bridge or brappy port? I want to keep my car stock-ish looking and retain the twins but really want a brap. What smic would you recommend? Also coilovers that have brake line mounts (or what is the solution for those that don't?) I had hsd on my fc and zip tied them to the shock... A bit dodge...

[@RADPotential]

You could probabaly get the braps with a street port. Those twins may choke it out a bit. But it is what it is at that point.

[@JaimeMedina-xz7tl]

I’ve seen your videos and I’m very impressed and I have rx8 2005 shinka and sure that the coolant seals are shot , I’m thinking on doing this on my own any videos or tips will help . Thanks

[@charliearvanitis4932]

Thank you for this video!

[@austinbuchholz9982]

Where do you get that blue print poster 5:59

[@RIBZOH]

Great video 🤟

[@RADPotential]

Thank you sir!!

[@derekelliott590]

Love this video! Got me pumped to rebuild my low compression Rx8. Had it since 2004. What’s the limiting factor on its motor from revving higher? Just rotor mass?

[@AK-ui1zl]

I want to see someone build a bigger, 2 rotor version of the new liquid piston rotary design. Have you seen that engine yet?

[@scottyvanderberg6458]

I bought a motor from a salvage yard with a video showing 125lb compression, I put it in the car it made about 5 rotation cranks, then started free spinning,, checked compression and only 45 psi, what could have happened?

[@soloracer1]

I Was Waiting For YouTo Talk "Oil Control Rotor Side seals. They fail and leak oil as they sit. Then a smoke cloud comes out when you start it. I had a neighbor come yell at me for it once. Also it would burn a quart of oil in 4 laps of AUTOCROSS. You lift and oil gets sucked into combustion. One of the reasons for the failure. Mazda put out a statement. Reason for not using synthetic oil. Early model rotaries oil control seal break down in synthetic oil and fail.( the o ring under metal cap) I had 2 engines with the failure. I used synthetic blend .I no longer use Synthetic. The Mazda statement even said Not to use Synthetic blend.

[@RADPotential]

Shooot!!!!! I knew I missed something!!!!!!! Ill make another video and add it in the description and a card for it. Thank you!!!

[@DarylKnowles-o3i]

Nice video my question is can the side seals be flipped over for better compression?

[@jonathansparrow7336]

Where is the link to the manual that you held up in the video? I didn’t see that anywhere in the description or anything. Thanks.