Hi, I just bought a 1983 RX. It's not running but hopefully I can change that, the owner said it needs a new pick up coil, and the engine only turns on if you poor gas into to carb lol. The paint is pretty bad but I only paid 300 $ for it. I will post some pictures tommarrow, but this thread is really just to introduce myself.

-John
:smiley_12

 

Welcome to the forum John.

it's not common to have a bad pick up coil on these cars. But you will find out what is in time.
The FAQ link will have alot of info for you and you can search this section for related issues also.

As far as it only running with fuel down the carb. First thing to check is the fuse in the fuse box for the fuel pump. Should be a 15 amp fuse on your model. The fuel filter is another culprit on the Carb'd models for clogging.

 

If it hasn't ran in a few years, change out the oil, Check for spark, Clean up the gas tank with seafoam or mmo, check to see if battery is good, etc. Also check the fuel filter like stated by doc. Might as well replace it. 5$. Welcome to the forum. Check out the faq page , archives and get used to the search button. In the faqs there is a nostart thread that will probably help you out. God bless

 

Welcome! FAQ brother.... FAQ.....

 

Welcome and congrats on the purchase!

 

hey i got her running! not good but she runs... i got some pictures for u guys:

 

Needs some work but hey its running. That better than some of us.

 

that's an 83 , and it has had cooling problems. If the fuel pump is working, you can hear it with the motor off. Change the fuel filter no matter what

 

Are you reffering to an problem in the picture, or a problem with this year car when u say its got cooling probs.

BTW i know its an 83

 

first off, replace that radiator. second, give the car a tuneup, changing ALL fluids, filters, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and diff and trans fluid. this gives you a fairly clean slate. from the looks of it, the car is a desert brown "S" model. i like the car. keep us updated on your progress with diagnosing the fuel pump problems. if you need help, we're here.

 

Whats the green wire in your picture for? To me it looks like it has been ghetto added by someone and just shorts (no insulation on the end) to the engine...

 

lol that wire goes to the fuel pump. dunno why it goes there.

 

What wheels are those? can you get some more pics?

 

the wheel is actually a hub cap.

 

alright, ive been trying to do a quicky compression test and im having some problems. firstly, im cranking the engine by hand, and its pretty hard to do. I only one pssh sound and then nothing then another pssh serveral cranks later. any ideas what i could be doing wrong?

 

good shape. i got mine for 200 not running but i had alot of rust now it is fixed

 

Compression test must be performed with a cranking speed above 250 rpm, throttole plate full opend on the primary side..

Welcome to the forum and the Darkside. In my sig line is a link to the online FSMs, carb manual, etc.