Hey guys kinda need help, my 1985 GSL-SE is being wacky and turns off when the vehicle gets to operating temperatures. For whatever reason, the car starts up fine when it’s cold but once it heats up to operating temp it just beeps and kills it self. Everything from spark plugs, to fuel pump/ filter and ignition coils has been replaced. Do you think it might be a sensor issue?
Really need help with this thanks 🙏

 

vacuum leak?

 

Fusible links under the hood?

 

Bad ignitor?

 

Hey bro @KansasCityREPU I think u were right spark plugs are not giving spark anymore so do you know any good replacements for ignitors, I’ve heard that GM has some? I’d really appreciate some input thanks

 

First try swamping the ignitors. Make sure to use thermal paste on the back of them.

I'm not knowledgeable enough on other types of igniters that will work on a stock ignition.

 

Alright I’ll try that out thanks

 

When I did mine, I used an GM HEI ignition module. If you go to your local parts store just ask for an Ignition Module for a 1978 Chevy Nova with a 5.0L.

Keep in mind when doing this, it involves removing the old igniters from the distributor, mounting the GM HEI modules to a heat sink and relocating somewhere else, then running wires for everything. There are a few great tutorials on how to do this on the forum. I opted for this route myself because here in Canada, the cheapest Ignitor OEM/AM ignitor i could find was $374. I also tried to buy a couple used ones from a "Mazda Enthusiast" who sold me dead igniters.

Look on the forums for GM HEI or do a google search. The great thing about the GM HEI ignition modules is they are dirt cheap, and if one fails out on the road, it requires you do undo two screws, and move over the 4 wires to the replacement.

 

nah , say you need an ignitor for a CORVETTE !! , instead of a nova.

 

If you swap the J109's as @KansasCityREPU suggests and discover you do have a bad ignitor then you could setup direct fire.

I followed @t_g_farrell's excellent thread to do a complete direct fire setup for leading. https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generati...fidfis-894669/

Are you saying you want to just swap in an HEI for the J109? I've only seen threads on the direct fire setups but I imagine you could just remotely mount a GM HEI on a heat sink and use it trigger the OEM leading coil, running that as OEM through the distributor cap.

These are some interesting threads on HEI modules...

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generati.../#post12321986
General Motors HEI Ignition Modules

 

When it shuts down and you get the "beeping" sound is there a corresponding warning light on the instrument panel?

 

That's exactly what I did. Mounted the HEI's to a heatsink i made on the drivers strut tower. Ran the wires and its golden now.

 

Im also curious what beeping you're referring to as the engine shuts off. Normal operating temperature shut down is common on a low compression RX-8. I haven't experienced it on an SA or FB but thats not to say it isn't possible. Do yourself a favor, the next time the car is at normal operating temperature, shut it off and perform a proper compression test with a rotary compression tester. Make sure your engine is healthy before spending money elsewhere.

You can also check for spark by removing and grounding a spark plug still attached to the wire and cranking the engine over. This will let you know if you still have spark. Do this with one leading plug and wire and one trailing plug and wire. Not a bad idea as mentioned above by swapping ignitors. Thermal paste is a must however.

 

Yea I actually like the direct fire setup might do that in future but for now just need to get car up and running quick. I was thinking of removing the vac system/ rats nest to simplify and get rid of any vac leaks I’ve got because car starts up now but accelerates and dies and spews out air from somewhere almost sounds like a dying elephant. I’ve seen the Radpotential yt channel has done it and it’s worked for him has anyone on here ever done a rats nest delete on their car would you recommend? If so how do you do it because I’ve searched all over the forums and everyone just talks about the 12a rats nest.

also thanks to everyone’s replies I appreciate the help 🤘🏼