I have a 1982 RX-7 GSL with a 12b engine (about 80,000 miles on the motor). Recently, I noticed a metallic coughing noise (coming up through the air cleaner) just as the engine stops (my wife said it sounds more like a fart to her and that the car simply has taken on some of my attributes). Anyway, I tracked the problem down to what looks like a valve or air pump on the lower driver side of the carb. I can hold my thumb over the rubber hose that goes from the valve/air pump to the air cleaner and the engine no longer makes the coughing/farting noise when it shuts down. I plugged the hose and have been driving the car without noticing any difference in performence. But....I do have a couple of questions. 1) what is the mechanism that is going bad, and 2) by plugging it off am I masking or creating a more serious problem?

Thanks much for any information or help - Emmet

 

Hey Nednot, is it a 12a or a 13b? what sort of carb is on it? sounds like a curly one to me.

 

12a = stock carbed, wish I could be of more help, but to me the stock carb is too confusing. I like the weber better even though its annoying to tune...

 

leave it plugged, you aren't hurting anything. do you have to pass emissions?

 

Is it a 1/2" or so hose? Its probably your shutter valve. IIRC it wont hurt anything to leave it plugged.

 

I've had my shutter valve plugged for a couple of years now with no problems.

 

Thanks for the information all.

1) slip of the finger, the motor is a 12a
2) the hose is the larger 1/2" or so on the driver's side
3) The car doesn't need to pass emissions
4) I've been driving the car for a week or two with no apparent problems
5) I like this forum and will continue to check in.

Thanks again - Emmet