I have an 1987 Mazda RX7 non turbo I am having two serious problems with it # 1 is the automatic transmission is shifting from 1st to 3rd skipping 2nd gear all together. If I kick it to the floor hard it will down shift but I am not shure if it is going to 1st or trying to shift down into 2nd. Please Help!!!

# 2 problem when I start the car it blows white smoke like you wouldnt believe and it will last anywhere from 30 seconds to several min. depending on how long it has been since it was started last.

I would appreciate your help.

 

Not sure about the transmission problem but does sound to be something internal that will need possible overhaul. The white smoke is from coolant leaking into the combustion chambers at either the front or rear rotor housing. To double check try this. Get engine fully warmed up so cooling system is at operating temp and under full pressure. Upper radiator hose will be very hard (and HOT) if system is building pressure. Now shut engine off and let sit untill cool. Remove the two lower spark plugs and rotate engine over by hand counterclockwise or oposite that it cranks over. Look for coolant running out of either spark plug holes. If you see ANY liquid exiting from the plug holes then you have serious engine problems as well. Most common is electrolisis around the spark plug holes that actually eats a hole thru the aluminum between the plug hole and coolant passage. Less common is a failed square ring that seals the cooling passages from both combustion and outside.

 

Thanks for the info. Do you have any idea what it would cost to fix that.

 

Labor for engine only will be around 13 hours. Dollar amount for labor will vary based on the labor rate in your area. Could be anywhere from $60-$140 per hour. Call a local shop to see. A Mazda remanufactured engine will be about $3600.00 plus will want to add $3-400 for gaskets, oil, coolant, etc. You may be able to find a non-factory rebuild engine but will probably not be a lot less.

 

You could purchase a used motor from Mazmart here in Atl (770-455-4848). I would also recommend swapping to a 5-speed instead of messing with that auto.