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

Help Needed!!

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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 05:46 PM
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Help Needed!!

I have an 85 GS 12A. The car will not start even with a push. I¡¦ve done the following:
„h Changed the starter, battery, battery post, spark plugs (NGK) and wires.
„h Checked the fuel delivery (heard the click under the dash).
„h Checked the fuel pump (can hear it hum with the key in the ¡§on¡¨ position).
„h Checked for adequate fuel flow to and from the card (Stock).

A day or so before it stopped it ran very badly. It had no power and I had to floor it to keep it running at 30 miles an hour. I had a friend push with another car and it all it did was growl and smoke badly (white smoke) What else could it be?

Thanks in advance
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 05:51 PM
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Have you changed the Fuel Filter?

May not be the problem, but definatly won't hurt

Good Luck

Anthrax
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 06:03 PM
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I changed the fuel filter back in September. the other items were changed this past weekend.
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 06:05 PM
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Oh, and thanks Anthrax for the quick response.
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 06:11 PM
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Do you know if you are getting spark?

Do you know if fuel is actually getting to the carb?

How many miles are on the vehicle?
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 06:12 PM
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FOULED Plugs. try a new set or have you already tried that?
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 06:24 PM
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I'm not completely sure about the spark. I did change the coils. I tried checking but I think my technique was wrong. I pulled all plugs. I attached a leading plug to the wire on the dizzy cap, turned the key in the on position and touched the tip of the plug w/ screwdriver. I saw nothing. The car has 160,000 miles. I disconnected the hoes going to the carb put them in a container and turned the key in the on position. A steady flow came out. The coke bottle was more than 1/4 full after a few seconds.

Yes, I put new NGK plugs in with the coils.

thanks
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 06:31 PM
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I don't think it will spark if the motors not turning. try that agian while someone turns it over.
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 06:33 PM
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when you test the plugs just make sure they're grounded. If they were grounded and you got nothing then you've already found your problem.
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 06:37 PM
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How else can I ground them? I wedged it between the strut tower and a bolt near the tower. Is there a test I can do solo. I don't have anyone to turn while I test.

Thanks
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 06:40 PM
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If I'm not mistaken you could just set it where yopu could see it from inside the car and crank it over. is it dark there? If so it should be easy to see if you're getting spark. I think it sould spark without grounding.

EDIT: On second thought you will have to lay it somewhere the spark can jump to.IE.. ground, anything metal should work.

Last edited by brianw; Dec 11, 2003 at 06:42 PM.
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 08:40 PM
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Originally posted by Maras
Oh, and thanks Anthrax for the quick response.
Hey no problem

And Welcom to the forum
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 08:54 PM
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Sounds like plenty of fuel. Regarding spark, like BrianW said, put the plug in the spark plug boot, and set it in a place where it is grounded and you can see it while you crank the engine. This is quite doable for one person - you should be able to reach in through the window and turn the key while watching.

A new set of plugs can do wonders, particularly if the engine is flooded. Do a search on "flooded engine" to research.

That might be enough to get it started. Your first post implied it was running fine, then one day it started running very rough, and now it won't start. Did it go from running bad to running poorly all of a sudden or did it go bad all at once?
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 09:03 PM
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Did evevyone just pass the fact that his car "smoke badly (white smoke)" thats his problema
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 09:38 PM
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Did the smoke have the smell of coolant in it?
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 09:49 PM
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Originally posted by GavinJuice
Did evevyone just pass the fact that his car "smoke badly (white smoke)" thats his problema
Mine smoked really bad when flooded. I don't think that's the problem,just a symptom.
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Old Dec 12, 2003 | 03:08 AM
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How about looking for a large vacuum leak? Assuming emissions equipment hasn't been removed, examine the hose that runs from the back of the intake manifold to the #2 AAB at the rear passenger side of the carb. If it's split, as it often is, at the bend near the manifold, the car will be hard to start if it starts at all. While you're at it, double-check all the vac lines for leaks.

Look here for basic no-start troubleshooting tips. https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...hreadid=162062

I'm still wondering about the white smoke, though. How about a compression test?
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Old Dec 12, 2003 | 05:57 AM
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Read the link slashdawg posted. If you have a timing light, you can set it up so you can see the strobe while you crank the engine over to check for spark.
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Old Dec 12, 2003 | 04:33 PM
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Thanks all. I noticed a hissing sound but I can't pinpoint exactly where it's coming from. Slash I'm going to follow the link you suggested.
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