under the hood

I'm at the beginning stages of working on my first engine tear-down (1991 rx7 non-turbo). I have taken out all of the air-intake components, the radiator (spilled out a few gallons of fluid all over the garage floor :screwy: ), the alternator, battery (I plan on relocating it to the trunk), among other things.

Anyhow, I have a few questions before I tear into it any further. First, I went to the hardware store and found like 20 different gasket compounds and wondered if there is a certain kind I should/should not use where a gasket replacement is needed.

Second, I was about to remove the A/C compressor, then heard a slight hissing. I was following the workshop manual instructions but decided I should refer to the haynes manual which stated that I need to have a "professional" depressurize the A/C compressor, with no reference of how to do it myself...Is this something I should really not do on my own?

Thanks in advance

i find it good to ask questions before starting a project

alright i don't understand why a honda guy would be hanging out in a mazda rex forum... but whatever...

as to the hissing... its the refrigerant coming out and if you've already started doing it i'd just keep on going... no harm. just make sure you don't breathe that good ole R12... its not exactly good for ya, then again niether is smoking but millions of ppl do that. go ahead and loosen a line and let it go... i've never had one professionally evacuated.... and in most cases on an rx7 some people opt to remove the compressor and related components for simplicity.. but that's just me

gasket material ... my personal bests are Black Silcone RTV sealant and black Permatex gasket maker... i haven't really used much else and eiether will seal most anything, the black RTV being the most universal in application.

and i must say, a first engine teardown on a rotary, that's a good start, but keep in mind if you're up for this rebuild be up to fork out some cash cuz it can get expensive....... a buddy of mine and myself are currently debating a rebuild on a 87 Turbo II 7 because of non-stop cooling problems.... the rx7 is sooo much fun but they can be a nightmare to work on at times... i'll probly get hung out to dry for saying that one but i speak from personal experience, that's all... alot of people buy them and if they're properly maintained you'll have very little if any problems.

dont use gasket compounds where a factory gasket was originaly used. Alweays get the factory gaskets in there whereever possible.

Get reading on specs and such befoer you even try to get the engine out of there.
Its a very simple design, but if you make a little mistake you wont know till you turn the key and then its goners from there.

well i was just speaking in terms of a backyard mechanic thing.... not a professional thing. believe u me i've sealed countless things permanently with good ole black silicone RTV. but yes original gaskets are best.... lol

Yes you can use it, but for certain areas on the engine you definetly do not want to use any of thise. You also want to make sure that it is aluminum safe.

The only thing i woudl use this on would be a honda or something.

dude if you can get me factory gaskets for less than dealer prices, i will worship you

dude if you can get me factory gaskets for less than dealer prices, i will worship you

done and done :D

Now bow down and worship my big toe :iceslolan

:worshippy

really though, i need the gaskets for the intake manifolds (LIM to block and UIM on Lim) and the gasket for the exhaust manifold to block and turbo to exhaust manifold

and i must say, a first engine teardown on a rotary, that's a good start, but keep in mind if you're up for this rebuild be up to fork out some cash cuz it can get expensive.......

Could you do me a favor and list what may be the top three expenses and their related costs? Just curious. Thanks.

rotors,housing, and the eccentric shaft....

you only replace rotors/housings if their worn (or you are doing a race build or something idk), usually the eshaft isnt replaced either.

likely seals and gaskets

screw rebuilding your own motor, i sell brand new motors ( and i mean NEW) with your selection of parts :P

But its not cheap :P