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

Help, car dies after 90 seconds of idle.

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Old May 28, 2014 | 11:02 AM
  #1  
Arcolithe's Avatar
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From: South Beach
Help, car dies after 90 seconds of idle.

specs: 1984 GSL 12A RX7 (streetported, nikki carb) aftermarket fuel pump

recently I floored my car around 6-8k RPM for about 2 seconds on memorial day, which is nothing.

However I've had fuel issue before, but that doesn't seem to be the case. I'm getting my 7-8 PSI readings on my fuel gauge right before it enters the carb, the glass windows are showing nearly full fuel (it never went all the way full for me).

Recently, when my car died on memorial day, my friend tried to hook up his battery but connected it the wrong way and blew my 40A FLF (on the front), I replaced that and now everything works fine except the car doesn't stay running.

I reset the stock nikki using Carburetor: Reset The Stock Nikki By Ear | KnowProSE.com

I tried both 2.5 and 3 full turns (360* turns), and even went to 3.5 turns which made the car idle from 45 seconds to about 90 seconds.

I've drained the battery twice while doing this, and am afraid to break more parts until someone can point me in the right direction.

Other things I've done:
took out and cleaned the spark plugs (they seemed to be a little wet, but not overly so)
started the car by flooring the gas pedal and holding the clutch in
sprayed starting fluid to jump start the car (once)
checked oil, coolant and fuses for any abnormalities.
scratched head multiple times in confusion.

thanks for anyone that can help me.
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Old May 29, 2014 | 10:58 AM
  #2  
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fuel pressure is too high, the 1984 only needs 3.5psi. fuel level in sight glass should be in the center of the glass. i think you're flooding it. plugs should never be wet, should be dry and mocha colored.
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Old May 30, 2014 | 06:21 AM
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How about 2.5? I thought all modern Nikkis used 2.5psi.
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Old May 30, 2014 | 02:50 PM
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I looked it up in the Racing Beat manual which said 3.5.
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Old May 30, 2014 | 06:44 PM
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RB is often wrong.
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Old May 30, 2014 | 07:39 PM
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^ Based on a bazillion Nikki threads I believe 2.5 is it.
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Old May 30, 2014 | 08:01 PM
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Well, let's see. I'll give one perfect example. RB tries to sell you one of their so called high volume oil pumps claiming that only the GSL-SE came stock with them, meaning if you have any other model 85 or older, you need this pump. But what about all beehive equipped 83-85 12As? What about all modern nitrided J-spec R5 12As and 13Bs? They all had the exact same pump. Is RB just trying to sell me an unneeded oil pump? Yes. They are only useful on any 82 or older engine, and even then, the 74-75 had a 15mm pump, so there's that. But I'd still go with the so called high volume (17mm) whenever I build an engine, regardless of year (85 or older).

I'm not against RB in the slightest. But they are often wrong and you gotta pay attention.

I tested all my recent Nikki builds at 2.5psi and they were flawless. So 2.5 it is. Or would you rather risk slight flooding if your needles and seats aren't 100%? You could go for it, of course. I'm not stopping you.
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Old May 31, 2014 | 07:55 AM
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My stock nikki ran good at 2- 2.5psi also. 3-4 psi and fuel cane gushing out.
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Old May 31, 2014 | 08:00 AM
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Mine also did this too try cleaning your lines and check your filter also check the power to your fuel pump. Maybe pinched lines? I fixed mine by taking off lines from fuel pump changing filter UN hooking everything. Up to the carb. Blew air and cleaned lines. Redid the fuelpump wire check fuses and she started right up.
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