Is it normal to hear a very strong clicking noise when the key is turned to battery?

I've had some running issues lately such as stalling kind of unpredictably starting from stops (even when it has a steady idle), and not starting without starting fluid cold. The clicking is probably inconsequential but I just kind of wanted to get some opinions and check things off of my list to look at.

I guess I should mention it's an '82 with very little known about its history. When I first got it, the carburetor was flooding and it wasn't starting so rebuilt the carb which seemed to help. Also adjusted the idle/mixture screws and managed to achieve a steady idle and got it starting on it's own, but after sitting on jacks waiting on new tires/tie rod ends it's gone back to not starting cold.

Ooh, and while I'm thinking about it--all of the fuses seemed good except for one which burns out as soon as you replace it. (I haven't had time to look at what exactly the fuse is for but pretty much none of the electrical in the center console works...)

Sorry this is kind of a laundry list but any help you might be able to offer is much appreciated.

 

You mean when you turn the key to "on" without turning to start? There is normally a fairly loud click or seqeunce of them because its all the engine relays and fuel pump etc clicking on. Thats normal. (or at least that happens in all of my cars but Jeezus thinks it may be a problem..)

Have you replaced your fuel filter recently?

The fuse that burns out immediately sounds like something in that system is shorting, find out what fuse it is, and maybe trace it a bit or maybe let us know and we can tell you common problems within it.

Welcome (ish) to the forum, see you havent posted much. Check the FAQs there might be some helpful info pertinent to your problems

 

When I hear a click when I turn on the car, it was battery related. Either dead battery or terminals. I replaced the positive terminal and all was good.

 

I was wondering about the clicking (yes when it's to 'on', haha sorry) and whether it might be fuel pump related. I shouldn't have an issue with the battery itself since it has been replaced.
As far as the fuel filter, I actually bought a replacement from advanced which should have been the right one but it doesn't seem to fit, so no I haven't yet replaced it. I'm kind of wondering if the wrong one might have been jerry-rigged to my car...
I'll try and trace the fuse and figure out what that is and report back.

Thank you for the welcome-ish . I guess I've been lurking mostly, although I am almost to that big 10 posts mark!

 

Also, I don't know if you meant that it was fairly normal for just a few clicks when the key is turned to 'on', or if it should be continuous. Mine simply clicks until you crank it or turn it off...

 

Like it clicks continuously? No thats not right.

The clicks when turning the key on are single, from relays clickin on and whatnot. If yours is continuous than it may be as Jeezus said and that could be a solution to a couple other of your problems as well.

 

So if it's not the battery, would it be my fuel pump? Sound definitely seems to be coming from the rear of the car.

 

Welcome to the boards, perfectace. I've done some work on the 1st Gen RX7, myself. Have you checked to make sure that the fuel pump is providing fuel pressure to the carb on start-up? Cool car, by the way. It should be a lot of fun once you get her all sorted out.