My '81 is obviously running way too rich, it sputters a **** load, smells like gas and backfires ALOT! I know, I know, that's what rotaries do, go ahead .. say it! lol But its backfiring too much to be regular. I'm not familar with Nikkis and I was wondering if anyone might be able to tell me how I can adjust the air/fuel ratios or might have pictures to show me how. I checked around the forums and couldn't really find anything. Hopefully you guys can help. Thanks

 

Start off by checking your float levels (front and rear). The gas level should be at halfway. Are you using the stock fuel pump?

And, for the record, rotaries are not prone to these issues any more than a badly tuned piston engine would be. A good tuneup and proper maintenance will have it purring like a kitten.

If you have any leaks in your exhaust system, that is probably the cause of the backfiring. Either that or your timing may be off.

 

The fuel pump has been replaced but it's to the same specs as the stock one. See, when you say floats I have no idea where to look. And front and rear mean nothing to me. sorry I'm fine with every part of the car but the carb, i'm lost. A 2nd gen guy said my floats might be stuck but i dont know where 2 check.

 

There is a little window on the front and back of the carb. You might need to use a small mirror and flashlight to see the back one. Fuel level should be right at halfway.

 

And if not? Might they be stuck? And how might i adjust the fuel/air ratio? Sorry for all the questions

 

If the level of fuel is too high or low, then chances are that they need to be adjusted or freed up. If you have an aftermarket pump that is pushing to many psi, then that might cause the level to go too high as well. In that case you would need to add a fuel pressure regulator.

The fuel/air mixture should be just about perfect on the stock carb, as long as it hasn't been modded. If you are sure that the mixture is off, then chances are that there is something gumming up the internals and you will need to rebuild it.

 

yeah, my rotary hasn't backfired, sputtered, or run rough since I brought it back to life. It's as smooth as a new car, it just smells worse and sounds better.