Group/Rusty,

We’ll after seeing David’s post on the corrosion issue I became paranoid about my engine. I bought one of the “generator” engines from RX-7 Specialties (from a previous member of the group). Never giving a thought about water being in the bottom of the engine due to the fact that it had been ported and appeared to be preserved (i.e. I could see a fair amount of transmission fluid thru the exhaust ports). Due to the machine work done the engine it would have to have been disassembled. Also, there was evidence of the gray sealer being used extensively. It does not appear to have been run post the modifications.

 

Well cut to the chase…I removed the bottom plug on the center housing and what did I find! Damp black “stuff”. I investigated with a q-tip, damp black stuff no water. I inserted a dowel in the hole and more damp black stuff. After poking at it for a bit I rolled the engine on its side and out came maybe a ½ oz or so of clear water and black stuff (nothing reddish). Looking into the rest of the water jacket ports no moisture just a bit of red rust like you would see in any engine.

 

So, think I should disassemble it now and see what the deal is? I intended to disassemble and install Tracy’s apex seals in place of the ceramics. But I had thought to wait until I’m ready to attach it to the Cozy. (quite a while in the future). I suppose I could tear it down and then pickle it in oil until I’m finally ready to reassemble and run the engine. I would never feel comfortable flying it without a through internal inspection anyway.

 

I wonder if the water came from internal condensation over the past 3 years?  It is stored in my shop which is not air conditioned.

 

Thoughts?

 

Thanks,

Dean Head

Cozy MK4

BKV FL