Page 1 of 1

Baselining 1980 RX-7 with odd rattle

Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2016 9:14
by Shooter McGavin
Hey Everyone!

I just picked up a 1980 SA RX-7 S 4 speed. It's been sitting in my parents garage for 7 years and I got it up and running a few weeks ago and shipped it out to Colorado to be my new auto-x/track toy.

As soon as I got it off the truck in Colorado Springs it started making a ticking noise and I can't for the life of me figure out where it's coming from.

Here is the rattle, it's coming from the passenger side of the engine and sounds like it might be in the carb. The rattle speeds up when you give it some gas too.

Click on the picture to head to my Flickr page and watch the video, I couldn't figure out the video embed code.

Image

I changed out the water pump and that only made it worse but now the radiator won't fill up all the way so I'm wondering if my cooling system is clogged. (yes I drained the block during the change)

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Re: Baselining 1980 RX-7 with odd rattle

Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2016 9:14
by RX-7 Chris
I can try and take a look this weekend if you need. It's really hard to diagnose with a video.

Do you think you would be able to drive the car to my house? I'm at Powers and Research.

Re: Baselining 1980 RX-7 with odd rattle

Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2016 9:14
by Shooter McGavin
I'd rather not drive it, the noise is getting worse and I don't want to push it.

Here's a link to my thread on RX7club.com http://www.rx7club.com/1st-gen-general- ... st12108769

I just posted another video where I hand cranked the motor and was able to isolate the noise to the front cover. Looks like I'll be pulling that off pretty soon.

Re: Baselining 1980 RX-7 with odd rattle

Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2016 9:14
by RX-7 Chris
What part of town are you in? I'll PM you my number.

The only thing I would think that could make a noise under the front cover is the oil pump chain. I have one you can have if you need it.

Re: Baselining 1980 RX-7 with odd rattle

Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2017 9:14
by Shooter McGavin
Forgot to update this but I got it running. Turned out the bolts holding the fan down at the front of the engine were coming loose and the mounting plate was slapping against the pulley.

Now that that's fixed, anyone know how to tune a carb for altitude lol?

Re: Baselining 1980 RX-7 with odd rattle

Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2017 9:14
by RX-7 Chris
I can help you get it tuned, It's something I can't really explain in a post. Let me know if you want my help.

Re: Baselining 1980 RX-7 with odd rattle

Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2017 9:14
by Shooter McGavin
RX-7 Chris wrote:I can help you get it tuned, It's something I can't really explain in a post. Let me know if you want my help.


I don't doubt it's something too long for a forum post. I would love some help rather than fumbling through it myself!

I'll shoot you a PM.

Re: Baselining 1980 RX-7 with odd rattle

Posted: Wed May 03, 2017 9:14
by vierte
Yea... Carbs are black magic. Good luck!