Disassembling a Mazda RX-8 Rotary Engine: Insights and Challenges

The rotary engine from a 2004 Mazda RX-8 reveals severe rust and corrosion, highlighting the importance of proper storage.

### Tearing Down a 2004 Mazda RX-8 Rotary Engine
The engine being dismantled is a **2004 Mazda RX-8 rotary engine**, known for its **238 horsepower** and **159 foot-lbs of torque**. The narrator has a background with these engines, having seen many replacements while growing up in a Mazda dealership. The teardown process is straightforward, requiring some **unique tools**, and the narrator emphasizes the **importance of proper maintenance** for RX-8 owners to avoid engine issues.

### Inspecting a Rotary Engine
The engine has **low compression** and shows signs of **rust and corrosion** due to improper storage. The spark plugs appear **new and undamaged**, which is unusual for a rotary engine. The water pump shows some corrosion but overall looks good, while the engine's **oil level is low**. The flywheel is removed using the **right socket**, and the engine is tilted to **drain the oil pan**, causing a **messy coolant and oil leak**.

### Disassembling an Engine: A Step-by-Step Process
The engine disassembly begins with removing the front cover and long bolts, revealing the **pump and counterweight**. The process continues with the removal of the chain drive, oil pump, and oil injectors, while following a specific **tension bolt removal sequence**. The disassembly reveals **significant rust and corrosion**, indicating the engine has **not been in good condition for a long time**, and the Apex seals are **broken and carboned in**.

### Assessing the Condition of a Rotary Engine
The rotary engine is in poor shape, with **rust and carbon buildup**, making it more suitable for **display than repair**. The front rotor housing shows **deep scratches and signs of a previous bad engine**, while the rear iron has **less moisture**. The process of **saving the housings may be expensive**, and the overall condition suggests that the engine was **stored improperly** before being acquired.

### Examining a Corroded Engine
The engine's front rotor is **heavily corroded**, causing wear and potential **loss of compression**. Despite some damage, there is **no horrific destruction**, but the moisture has taken a toll. The eccentric shaft and oil pump gears appear to be in good shape, but overall, the engine's condition is **poor**, making it **unlikely to be salvageable**.

### The Condition and History of a Tired Engine
The engine's moisture was likely due to being **stored outside** before my brother's ownership. Its condition was poor, with **rust and corrosion**, and it had an **uncertain mileage history**. Despite being owned by enthusiasts, these engines often have a reputation for **failing**, but they can be **enjoyable to work on and restore**.

### Disassembling a 2004 Mazda RX-8 Rotary Engine: A Unique Experience
* 🔧 Today, we are taking apart a rotary engine from a 2004 Mazda RX-8, which produces **238 horsepower and 159 foot-lbs of torque**, marking a departure from the typical engine tear-downs usually featured.
* 🛠 This particular engine, which has been stored in a garage for an extended period, is devoid of common issues like **spun bearings or damaged crankshafts**, but it does present challenges due to its **rotary design**.
* 💬 The rotary engine has a reputation for **unreliability**, often exacerbated by owners who treat them like conventional vehicles, failing to properly maintain them with practices like **avoiding short trips** and **ensuring appropriate revs**.
* 🔍 Upon inspection, the engine shows signs of poor storage, with **water and rust indicating significant internal corrosion**, particularly affecting the **front rotor and housing**.
* 💦 As I disassembled the engine, I encountered various fluids and corrosion, revealing that while the **front rotor was in bad shape**, the **eccentric shaft appeared to be intact without major damage**.
* ⚙ The disassembly process was straightforward, though messy, and highlighted the unique features of rotary engines, such as their **compact design** and **different assembly methods** compared to traditional piston engines.
* 📦 While this engine is not salvageable for parts, it serves as an interesting exploration of **rotary technology**, and for those looking for parts, they can visit **importapart.com** for inventory and discounts.
* 💬 Overall, this experience was enjoyable and different, reminding us of the **quirks of rotary engines** and the **importance of proper maintenance to ensure longevity**.

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ROTARY! Mazda Rx-8 13B Renesis JUNK Engine Teardown. Series 1 6-Port Disassembly. Is It All SCRAP?

ROTARY! Mazda Rx-8 13B Renesis JUNK Engine Teardown. Series 1 6-Port Disassembly. Is It All SCRAP?