Hey there everyone, I recently acquired an RX-7 that was totaled from an insurance company (got hit on the door). It is a decently maintained vehicle that I bought from a friend.

The question I have is, that it doesn't hold and idle and sputters when it's cold. When it warms up is will hold an idle right around 500 RPM, then gradually it will rise to 1,000 to 1,500, but keeps sputtering. Is this normal? I am a complete rotary noob.

The information is:

85 GSL
12A
I believe it is completely stock, with rats nest still installed.

 

Welcome to the darkside! Be sure to use the Search button at the upper right of the Forums to find most of your answers, as these questions have already been asked. Check the FAQ section as well, you'll probably find some information there.

And, since you own a 12A, might want to focuse on the choke and whatnot. I wouldn't know first hand cause I own a 13B, but from what I've read, a lot has to deal with the choke and whatnot.

 

Welcome!

 

Sorry i can't help with you problem, just wanted to welcome you, and say congrats the purchase.

 

after plugs, filters* and an oil change, try pulling the choke all the way out (**** says "choke" on it, lower left of the steering column) and start it. it shouls start, and rev to somewhere between 2500-3500 rpm and stay there. dont touch anything til the **** pops back in and the revs drop. your car is now warmed up and ready to drive

and if that dosnt solve your problem, i cant help you. unlike 90% of 7 owners, my car actually runs perfectly

*filters=fuel, air and oil

 

Sounds like Shutter Valve issue, do a search on this problem.

Welcome to the dark side bro

 

wellcome

 

Welcome, and being new, you get the usual sig line. In it is a link to the online FSMs, carb manual and other reading material.

I don't keep my cold idle above 2k-2200, no need for it and lessens engine wear on cold starts. As aussiesmg said, check the shutter valve and I would be looking for vacuum leaks too.

 

For everyone that is reading about shutter valves. The easiest way I've found to check the shutter valve is pull the air cleaner assembly off. If you hear this god awful honking noise coming from the carb area, it's coming from the large diameter hose that goes to the shutter valve. Then you know it's bad, until you replace it you can just put a bolt in the hose.

 

Thanks for the info guys, it's been a hectic week with the holidays here, and I haven't been able to check on this thread.

The choke **** is officially 100% broken off, but I will be fixing that shortly as well as all the maintenance I need to do to the car, which will be done tomorrow. I have to rev the engine to about 2.5k to warm it up, but thats not so bad for now.

First impressions, I really like my RX, it's fast, fun to drive, but I know I look goofy as all hell getting out of it with my 6' 240 lb frame. The roof doesn't even come up to my waist, and I knock my head on the door frame every time I get in the thing.

Also, thanks for the warm welcome! I am sure I will be lurking here for a while, lol.

 

LOL, I'm 5'9" and still hit my head getting in sometimes.
Shutter valve and vacuum leaks are the 2 most common causes for the issues you are reporting.

 

im glad im not the only one with the head issue...im only 5'10 1/2" and i figured that it was just me...lol

 

Ha, and I'm only 5'7. I love being able to fit into small cars. But, keep an idea on where your knee will goes when getting in. It's not uncommon to hit the steering column cover and break it.

 

FTW i beat you all im 6'4 and a 1/2 and if i dont slouch down my head hits the roof, lol getting in is the worst part

 

Dudes, it's a sports car, get a clue. The thing I hate is the silver 85 GSL I just bought has those puny 175/60/13 Sumitomo tires and the friggin car is practically on the ground. It's real hard to get in and out of even for a runt like me. Got to get some stockers on there.

Hey Danni, welcome to the bright side! You've definately got the best rotary, a 12A GSL. Do you guys have photo services out there on the "left" coast? (My daughter, who has adopted SF, calls it the "best" coast. Is that the same as left coast?) If so, post us some pictures.

Oh yeh, keep the rat's nest and get a Haine's manual, then look for a factory manual on ebay for less that $30.00, it will happen. Then do it yourself, baby, do it yourself.

And if you need information, these guys know everything and then some, so you came to the right place.

Ray

 

Welcome to the club.

 

What are you guys talking about. The 7 is alot easier to get in and out of than my 84 Corvette was. If you have a Se or GSL with the leather seat option those seats are higher. The Se vinyl/fabric seats are lower and the Sa seats are even lower yet. When I had my first Se I was lucky enough to find some Recaro seats from a car that I Bought. The driverside sat about 3 inches lower than the stock SE cloth one did. I had no head issues after that and I wear a 36"
inseam on my pants.