Baselining 1980 RX-7 with odd rattle

All engines, transmission, and drivetrain discussion.
User avatar
Shooter McGavin
Member
Posts: 51
Joined: Wed Oct 12, 2011 9:14
Location: In teh springs

Baselining 1980 RX-7 with odd rattle

Postby Shooter McGavin » Wed Sep 14, 2016 9:14

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!

User avatar
RX-7 Chris
Posts: 7800
Joined: Tue Oct 02, 2007 9:14
Location: Colorado Springs
Contact:

Re: Baselining 1980 RX-7 with odd rattle

Postby RX-7 Chris » Tue Sep 20, 2016 9:14

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.
1984 RX-7 GSL-SE [size=84]My restomod project[/SIZE]


1964 Ford Galaxie 500XL flat black w/ white interior, 2 dr fastback, 390 thunderbird, C6 auto, 2500 rpm high stall converter, shift kit, AC, Holley 750 cfm

[size=100]RIP 1983 RX-7[/SIZE]

My Car Blog

User avatar
Shooter McGavin
Member
Posts: 51
Joined: Wed Oct 12, 2011 9:14
Location: In teh springs

Re: Baselining 1980 RX-7 with odd rattle

Postby Shooter McGavin » Wed Sep 21, 2016 9:14

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.

User avatar
RX-7 Chris
Posts: 7800
Joined: Tue Oct 02, 2007 9:14
Location: Colorado Springs
Contact:

Re: Baselining 1980 RX-7 with odd rattle

Postby RX-7 Chris » Thu Sep 22, 2016 9:14

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.
1984 RX-7 GSL-SE [size=84]My restomod project[/SIZE]


1964 Ford Galaxie 500XL flat black w/ white interior, 2 dr fastback, 390 thunderbird, C6 auto, 2500 rpm high stall converter, shift kit, AC, Holley 750 cfm

[size=100]RIP 1983 RX-7[/SIZE]

My Car Blog

User avatar
Shooter McGavin
Member
Posts: 51
Joined: Wed Oct 12, 2011 9:14
Location: In teh springs

Re: Baselining 1980 RX-7 with odd rattle

Postby Shooter McGavin » Fri Apr 14, 2017 9:14

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?

User avatar
RX-7 Chris
Posts: 7800
Joined: Tue Oct 02, 2007 9:14
Location: Colorado Springs
Contact:

Re: Baselining 1980 RX-7 with odd rattle

Postby RX-7 Chris » Fri Apr 14, 2017 9:14

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.
1984 RX-7 GSL-SE [size=84]My restomod project[/SIZE]


1964 Ford Galaxie 500XL flat black w/ white interior, 2 dr fastback, 390 thunderbird, C6 auto, 2500 rpm high stall converter, shift kit, AC, Holley 750 cfm

[size=100]RIP 1983 RX-7[/SIZE]

My Car Blog

User avatar
Shooter McGavin
Member
Posts: 51
Joined: Wed Oct 12, 2011 9:14
Location: In teh springs

Re: Baselining 1980 RX-7 with odd rattle

Postby Shooter McGavin » Fri Apr 14, 2017 9:14

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.

vierte
Senior Member
Posts: 315
Joined: Tue May 08, 2012 9:14
Location: Denver CO

Re: Baselining 1980 RX-7 with odd rattle

Postby vierte » Wed May 03, 2017 9:14

Yea... Carbs are black magic. Good luck!


Return to “Engine and Drivetrain”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 23 guests