My cousin just got a 12A 79 RX-7 for free and now we are trying to get it started. We switched fluids and new gas. I checked the fuel filter, cleaned the carb and checked the spark plugs. I can not figure out why it is not starting. I think it might be the coils. Im thinking no spark. It rotates and sometimes it...... starts to begin to start. The fuel pump is real noisy. I cranked and he watched the carb. He said that alittle gas was going into it. He poured alittle gas into it. I don't know what to do. Do you think i am right with the lack of spark? Or could it be something else?

 

Remember, the first thing you have to have is adequate compression, you need to check it first. You need to check for spark to leading and trailing sides. If you pull the plugs and they are fuel fouled, then you either have low compression or no spark. Does this have points in it? rx7doctor

 

If you've checked for spark/gas/compression then just play with the choke as you try to start it. Pull the choke all the way out and slowly tap it back in as you try to start the car. At one point the engine should make a different noise; leave the choke alone and start messing with the throttle.

If nessicary pour some gas down the carb to get things started.

Tis how my car started after a year and a half of sitting outside.

 

Starting fluid is a helluva lot easier and much more effective than straight gas down the carb.

With all the effort trying to start it have you kept the battery charged? Try jumping the car or putting the battery on a charger overnight. I reccomend doing this first.

If its a manual, can you push start it?

Read through the First Gen FAQ there is a lot of useful info in there. Pay attention to the parts on checking compression at the plugs by listening for the pulses.

What conditions was the car stored in?

 

battery didn't even wain as we were only sitting there for about 30 seconds before the car started.

As for starting fluid being more effective; we got the job done with gas really quickly and easily. Starting fluid would have required a trip into town, all the way back to the guy's house, bla bla bla. Gas works.

 

I will check compression. Then i will look at spark. What can i use to check the spark though?

 

Just take out a wire and put it on the suspension bolts. Crank the engine for a brief second... If it sparks... Well... You've got spark.

 

I will try that. Thanks!

 

No prob. Just remember to only give the key a quick turn on and off.

 

What would happen if i did it to long?

 

Fry the point.. I dunno... you only need to hear it spark once to know it's good... So why do it more? :p

 

I was just wondering for personal information.