RX-7 (SA/FB)

1978-1985 / Coupe / Japan

All RX-7 (SA/FB) problems All workshop issues

Minor Electrical

Points Ignition Wear (Early Cars)

Symptoms

Hard starting, misfiring, rough running, loss of power at high RPM.

Cause

Points-based ignition systems require regular adjustment and replacement. The points wear, the condenser degrades, and timing drifts.

Fix

Convert to electronic ignition.

Multiple aftermarket systems are available.

Cost: $200-400.

This eliminates points maintenance entirely and improves reliability and performance.

Most surviving RX-3s have already been converted.

Cost mentioned in fix

Cost: $200-400

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Other known issues

Common Electrical

Wiring Harness Degradation

Intermittent electrical failures, blown fuses, non-functional accessories, or complete electrical failure.

Minor Engine, Rotary-Specific Issues

Apex Seal Wear and Failure

Gradual loss of compression, reduced power output, difficulty starting (especially when hot), increased oil consumption, and eventually the engine won't sustain combustion. In catastrophic failure, a broken apex seal fragment can score the rotor housing surface, requiring housing replacement.

Minor Engine, Rotary-Specific Issues

Rotor Housing Scoring

Deep scratches or grooves in the chrome or Nikasil coating of the rotor housing inner surface. Reduces compression even with new apex seals. Visible during engine disassembly.

Common Engine, Rotary-Specific Issues

Oil Metering Pump Failure

The engine receives insufficient oil for apex seal lubrication. The apex seals run dry, wear accelerates dramatically, and catastrophic engine failure follows. There may be no warning, the engine simply starts losing compression faster than normal.

Critical Engine, Rotary-Specific Issues

Coolant Seal (O-ring) Failure

Coolant leaks into the combustion chamber (white smoke from exhaust, coolant loss without external leak) or coolant leaks externally from the engine block mating surfaces. The engine overheats.

Minor Engine, Rotary-Specific Issues

Carbon Buildup

Hard carbon deposits accumulate on the rotor faces, apex seal grooves, and exhaust ports. The deposits restrict apex seal movement in their grooves, causing the seals to stick and lose their spring tension against the housing. Compression drops, power decreases, and the engine runs rough.

View all 15 RX-7 (SA/FB) problems