I have a 1984 that's street ported. It stats right up when its cold, but after its warmed up i have a hard time getting it started. I have to crank it for a while before it gets going, and I can smell gas after I turn it off. Any ideas?

 

It's the common rotary hot start issue, they all seem to have it.

Ever seen the video of the 4-rotor RX-8 trying to start?

 

A hot start issue is usually the result of low compression. I would also check the return line check valve and make sure it isn't clogging up.

 

What ignitors are you using? Smell of unburnt fuel... you might not be getting fire.

 

After a hard run I get this too. If it sits for less than 30 mins, its kind of hard to get started.
Its not an ignition issue or fuel issue. I suspect its a compression. If I pump the gas a few times
it will start with some cranking. If it sits long enough, it will start right up again, no problem.

 

Im Assuming its also a compression issue, my 13b doesn't like being started when she's nice and warm either. My guess on mine is that my motor is just so tired that it doesn't have the greats numbers.

I'll be doing a full rebuild on her this summer/fall, and ill keep you posted if I notice any differences!

 

This'd be why Mazda invented the "hot start assist" mechanism, which automatically opens the throttle when starting a hot engine. Which most people take off for some reason.