1985 starter doesn't turn
 

I bought a 1985 RX-7 about 7 months ago. The previous owner has removed most of the emissions and it looks like he also replaced the combination switch. I am at a loss. I had the starter rebuilt and re-installed it. And when I went to crank it there is nothing not even a click. Also the battery seems to drain when it sits for an extended period. I really would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks

Matt

It sounds like you have a short someplace. Since the previous owner has already messed with the combination switch, I would say start there.

On my SE not sure if the 12a's have the same, can't remember, there is one wire that just slides on to a spade in the back of the silinode (sp) that used to alway fall off of mine. Check to make sure that all wires are indeed conected and have good contact. I know how it sounds but when this happened to me it was the last place I looked (i know, of course it was) but it would have save a lot of time looking for the obvious first.

On my 85 GS the clock will run the battery down over a few days sitting.

I have the same problem, just had my starter tested and I'm putting it back in tomarrow. where is this wire you speak of???

It's there on the 12a, that was half of my problem.

It is in the same harness that plugs into the tranny. Heavier wire, black with a yellow stripe.

i think it was a pretty thin wire....but i could be wrong

I had to back and look again. It is about 3 times the diameter of the other wires that go to the tranny, but no where near the size of the ground wire.

A friend of mine has an 80 which doesn't even click aswell. The previous owner said that it ran before and now when I put the key in the ignition it doesn't even click or anything. Are the guage lights suppost to turn on? Also, is there a clutch switch inorder to turn on the car? This is completely new to me so i thought i would start here. Lastly, is there anything else that would cause this to not even click? Thanks!

A small 14 gauge or so wire is necessary for the starter to try and turn. It slips on a spade terminal in between the two larger wires.

~T.J.

If all else fails. Pull the starter and bench test it.
I usually use a nice long screwdriver.

so I got my starter tested and it's good. started putting it back on but I can't find one of the wires. I've got the spade one, and the one on the left side (of the 2 bolts) any idea where the right side wire would be hiding? I can't seem to find it anywhere and it's a little weird