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

Did I kill my starter

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Old 03-11-12, 01:50 PM
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Did I kill my starter

I've done some searching on the starting topic but I'm still stumped so I was hoping to get some help...

My rx7 has sat for two weeks while my carb was being rebuilt, so I finally get it back on, tried cranking it, it cranked but stupid me had it in gear and it didn't get to get started. Ever since then trying to start it, it just clicks. No crank, no fuel pump either.

Voltage gauge is reading normal. I checked and double checked wiring. I put a charge on the battery, still no crank.

I'm assuming from what I've read on here my issue is the starter. Not the ignition module. Am I right? I really feel dumb on this.
Old 03-11-12, 03:25 PM
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I've started in gear by accident before too. It happens so don't worry about it. It's not really good for the starter I imagine, but it shouldn't just kill it outright. Chances are your starter was going to go soon anyways.

There's a real easy way to test if that's the problem if your willing to put some work into it. Someone else may know an easier way to diagnose, but this has always worked for me. Take your starter off the car completely (Should be only two bolts) and then take some jumper cables and provide power directly. Clamp the positive cable to the positive bolt and then hit the negative to any part of the metal. When doing this I typically step on it to keep the starter stable. Watch out for sparks and prepare to be a bit startled.

You should notice two things! The gear should "pop out" and it should begin spinning. If it is only doing one or the other or nothing then it's a broken starter. When functioning properly the gear "pops out" to contact the fly wheel and then spins to crank the engine. From what you've said, it sounds like it may be poping out but not spinning.

I hope this helps!

As a side note. . . . Many people will say hitting it with a hammer may get it working again. I've never done it myself though.
Old 03-11-12, 03:39 PM
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Thanks! shortly after posting I came to the realization that I will have to take it off to test it further and see whats going on. I have not tried the hammer method myself, but my buddy did it with success a few times...
Old 03-11-12, 08:23 PM
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I had the same thing happen to me. I took the starter off and hooked to a battery charger, the thing spun fine. Remounted the starter motor and it has worked for a year now. I hope you have similar fortune.
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