1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

can't start an 85

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Old 02-23-04, 08:05 PM
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Unhappy can't start an 85

My husband owns an 85 rx7 that is now stuck in a parking lot near our apartment. He tried to start the car yesterday, but it would only sometimes start when gas was poured into the carburetor and it was covered with a towel. When it did start, it would only last for a few seconds, then it would die. It was releasing smoke out of the back even when the starter was just cranking. Today a friend came over to look at it and realized that one of the ignition coils was not receiving a charge, so we replaced that. Now, the coil is still not receiving a charge, but the wires leading to it have been checked and seem to be fine. Could the ignition coil not receiving a charge be causing the car to not start? Or is it just flooded? Since replacing the coil, the car is still acting the same. It only tries to start when gas is poured into the carburetor, and only runs for a few seconds when it does start. Some smoke still comes out of the back. The car has been sitting for about a week now since we have been putting a stereo into it. We are completely clueless and frustrated and the poor car is stranded! Please help! Thank you!
Old 02-23-04, 08:13 PM
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well, it sounds like the fuel pump is not working. also, check the fuel filter. after the car runs, check the sight glass in the front of th carb and check to see that there is gas in the float bow. if the coil was not getting power, the car may not start and if it did, it would run rough, very rough. the smoke indicates that some gas is being compressed and that combustion is happening. thereofre you probably have spark. make sure the plugs are good. if not, you will be there awhile. my guess would be the fuel pump or filter if it will only run when gas is poured into the carb. the wires for the pump are under the left storage bin. you will see a black plug coming up from the floor. that is your wiring. if you have a voltmeter, you can check to see if it is getting power when the ignition is in the on position or the engine is cranking.
Old 02-23-04, 08:15 PM
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perhaps this will help as well: https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...hreadid=275103
Old 02-23-04, 09:50 PM
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There's a good thread in the FAQ on no-start. But I have some questions. Which coil is not working? Front or rear? Have you tried swapping front and rear ignitors?

It sounds like a fuel or carb problem, though. Make sure the float bowls, front and rear, show a fuel level of about 1/2 way in the glass before yout start it. The rear one is hard to see. I use a compact case mirror. If you're not seeing that level, tap the banjo bolts on the top of the carb airhorn. The needle valves may be stuck and not allowing fuel into the carb float bowls.

Check for cracked or split vacuum hoses. The one running from the back of the intake manifold to the antiafterburn valve on the carb tends to split near the manifold. If it's badly split, you'll have a hard time starting the car.

HTH

Edit: oops, missed that you already replaced a coil. But which one? You replaced the stereo? Did you do any re-wiring to put in the new stereo? If you messed around with the rear amplifier wiring, you may have disconnected the electrical line to fuel pump.

Last edited by slashdawg00110; 02-23-04 at 09:53 PM.
Old 02-23-04, 10:46 PM
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the same exact **** happens to mine
Old 02-24-04, 02:40 AM
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sorry lazy to read the rest of it but sounded like electrical problems...try the ignitors...
Old 02-24-04, 03:19 AM
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You need to go back through your stereo install and recheck all the wiring for stereo/amps, etc. Like what was said before its most likely a fuel pump problem. I've seen this before, person uses the fuel pump wire or the solenoid wire for power and causes the car to not start.
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