Mazda Repair: 85 Mazda Rx7 Spark Plug Issue, apex seals, mazda rx7

Question
I just bought a 1985 Mazda Rx7 GSL with a 12a motor.  I went to change the spark plugs and I cannot get a socket to fit.  It seems like the person before me put the wrong size spark plug in it.  The lip around the block sticks out almost as far as the part of the spark plug to put a socket on.  Now I am new to the rotary engine so any advice on this problem would be helpful.  The car did sit for several years and is not running at this time.  No the engine is not locked up.  I do know that the spark plugs are NGK by looking up the number on the spark plug.  I'm sorry if this sounds like a stupid question but I have tried everything I know to get them out.  Please help.  Any advice on giving this thing a tune up would be nice too.

Answer
Something is wrong for sure, the plugs must be wrong since with the correct ones the hex should be well above the rise in the casting.  The plugs are specific and should only be the NGK ones. A 13/16 should fit and be sure you are using a 6 point not 12 point socket or wrench.

If it hasn't been run in a while you will need to bring it back slowly to avoid other issues common to no use rotaries. DO NOT try to fire it up without proper first time start up procedures.

You have two different spark plugs on each housing, Lead (L) (bottom) and Trail (T) (top).

Once the plugs are out inject 10 ml of ATF into the plug ports behind each of the three apex seals on each housing and hand rotate the engine.  It helps to let it sit in this wet state overnight or for a few days to insure the apex seals are not stuck due to gum, carbon or varnish residue, any doubts do it over gain just be sure to hand rotate, plugs out to remove excess ATF.  Patience will pay off with this procedure.  Replace the plugs then.  Again rotate the engine by hand leading up to starter rotation with no ignition coil signal.  Once it achieves oil pressure you can then attempt to fire it up by connecting the coil signal.

When it is up and running keep it operational, avoid starting it without allowing it to run up to temperature, excessive fuel from short start/stop periods can lead to apex seal issues and thus low or no compression.