Ok…just had the carb off. Removed shutter valve. While I had it off, replaced the accelerator pump (just because, LOL). Unlike before, it starts right up now, but idle is 3-4k. I did mess with the air mixture and the idle screw prior to all of this (troubleshooting). When I put everything back together I did NOT reinstall the cruise control and hot start cables. I did use new gaskets below and above the base plate. Now it starts but goes straight to 3000 to 4000 rpm. There is some slack on the throttle cable. Soaked everything (linkage) with WD-40. So..I think the proper way to adjust the air mixture screw..clockwise until it starts “hunting, then counterclockwise 1/2 a turn. I have no idea where to start on the idle screw and dont know what turning it clockwise or counterclockwise does (clockwise increases rpm?).I see no open vacuum ports except the 2 lines going to the air cleaner (RB header, emissions removed). Any/all assistance would be appreciated! Mike

 

The base plate does not need gaskets. Did you "remove" the old gaskets on the base plate? I ask because the factory base plate should not be touched.

 

There was not a gasket between the baseplate and manifold but there was one between carb and plate.

 

Mazda used a plastic-type gasket that got glued to the base plate on both sides. They are not meant to be removed. Maybe a prior owner removed the factory one and used an aftermarket one. The issue is that the aftermarket ones can cause a vacuum leak.

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generati...ngine-1118919/

 

Yeah they had “black” plastic? I did not mess with them. Guess gotta pull the carb again. Gaskets covering vacuum ports I guess. So no gaskets at all?

 

Got pulling the carb down pat…but like everyone, getting that one nut started during install is a pain. I did cut up and weld a special wrench for tightening and loosening.. :0)

 

I bought a stubby racket wrench that works well.

 

So…are you recommending I remove both gaskets? Do you think that covering up the vacuum ports could be causing the idle problem?

 

Covering the port is not a good thing. I believe the gaskets themselves might be causing a vacuum leak. I'd try it without any gaskets.

 

Gonna do exactly that!!! Thank you!! Will let ya know the results.

 

Well, I removed the gaskets, unfortunately, same issue. If it is air, I have no idea where it is coming from…

 

Try putting the shutter valve back in.

 

As it turns out, after adjusting the idle screw it is no longer sticking at3500 rpm (actual progress). It runs like crap, but making headway. Guessing the idle mixture screw is not even close to correct.

 

Nice progress.