Peformance problem
 

Hi! My 1985 RX7 GSL-SE has me puzzled. It started running poorly after some hibernation and has been getting progressively worse until today it would not start. It ran fine but I noticed it struggling over 5K RPM's then more noticable at lower RPMS [fine up to 3000] but dogged out and struggled above that. It's et idle for a few weeks again and today it would not start, it tried but would not. I've replaced the fuel filter, no luck and it was clearly getting fuel. I then replaced the coils, cleaned the flooded plugs and got it to start albeit it will only idel and does not respond to throttle except to spit and sputter. I'm no expert, I know the car well however and have tinkered with it before. Any suggestions on where to go from here? THANKS in advance!

Don't know why the 3rd generation photo icon showed up?

Check the o-rings around the injectors. May be getting too much air into the system and leaning it out.

So far it's been suggested that:

Cat converter may be clogged [new exhaust last year]

MAF sensor problem [not checked]

Fuel filter [replaced]

Coils[s] [both replaced]

New plugs, wires, cap, etc... last month when this first started

I have not checked the injector O rings but will, THANKS!

Okay, The O Rings looked good but I replaced them anyway, still no good?????

BUMP, Help, please :)

Additonal information:

Good compression

Good Spark [plugs fouled with fuel 2X after excessive attempts to start earlier]

Getting fuel [although flow rate not known]

Plus, recent [within a month] plugs, wires, cap, rotor

New today: fuel filter, both coils

Possible fuel pump? The car will start and idle [albeit not very smoothly] and will barely react to any throttle at all, just stumbles and runs rough.

I'm sure most know this but since it's an SE it is the 13B and is fuel injected.

Very frustrated, I just don't get it.

I had a Jaguar XJ6 [1991] that had almost the same symptoms on/off at various times and after trying numerous things it ended up being a defective fuel pump. It was an in tank and a bear of a job not to mention very costly but never skipped a beat afterwards. I never thought it would turn out to be that now I'm thinking maybe this is the culprit with the RX7???? However, I've read that this is not a common failure and also learned there is no fuel pump buzz with the key on. Exhaust was replaced last year and there's plenty of exhaust pressure out the tail pipe while idling.

I hoped to be enjoying it this fall after hibernating but at this rate I'll just be sitting in the garage making car noises like a fool :)

Please, any suggestions?

Does the SE have a TPS? If so, check that out since you are getting fuel (I will assume it is ok though you haven't checked flow or pressure) and the o-rings have now been replaced but the car idles and only sputters when you try to get it gas and the rpm range at which it happens has been decreasing. Hope that made sense. :D

Run a voltage test on your AFM, i'm unsure what the reading should be though. TPS is possible, again run a voltage test on it and slowly increase the throttle, if the voltage suddenly drops and recovers while increasing throttle, your TPS has a dead spot and needs replaced.

check your double trottle diaphram... see if the spring is stuck or leaving it open through out... it looks like a rotor shape underneath the tps...

Thanks guys but I'm done with it. It may be something simple but enough is enough. I got fed up and threw a For Sale sign in the window today for $500 bucks just to get it out of my hair. It'll be setting out yet again tomorrow but going by the lookers it wont last. I know of another '85 GSL-SE in near mint condition for $4000 a woman owns since new. I met her at a gas station one day a few weeks ago and she said she'd be interested in selling and get a new 350Z Nissan. I figured by the time I paint mine and get it where I want it then I'd be ahead of the game with much less stress. My car is a nice higher mileage car [160,000] but the car is rust free, the A/C works and even though the paint is faded it still looks good as does the interior. I appreciate the help, I just got fed up so someone may get a "steal" with it.

Sorry to hear that you're fed up with it (wish I was closer, I'd buy it ;) ) and glad to hear you're still willing to buy another one :D

Yeah, it's just been too long and I was dying to drive it again. I just considered the costs to get it where I wanted it to be again [I've owned it since 1990] versus buying another very nice example. I had all intentions of sending it out for new paint and some odds and ends, even a rebuild when it needed it but.... Now the only worry I should have is getting used to the red and leather versus my current dark grey w/ cloth :) I even thought of a newer Turbo II or even a convertible [checking out eBay today] but I like the "originals" way more however I prefer the SE's. At $500 it's a "steal" I'm sure but if it stays around I'll have 2 and wont be able to get rid of it as easily as if I do it quickly while I'm mad at it.

Thanks guys!

it sat for a while right? how old is The gass? you replaced the injector ruber seals correct? what did the injectors look like( clean/dirty)? it sounds like a fuel problem. one not to give up on.

Still up but headed for some needed sleep very soon. You're in Florida? Come on up and haul it away [or drive it away if you can fix it here]! Yes, I did those things and the gas was drained when stored [basically ran it dry]. I did however drive it after storage and noticed the progressive problem[s] within a week of driving. The injectors were clean looking to me. If it's a fuel problem then it's the fuel pump IMO. I'm not a certified mechanic however I've tuned this car and maintaned it for over 12 years with inly the clutch slave, a clutch replacement and exhaust work in the past being sent out for repair. I'm puzzled but it's always the little stuff and I'm sure the new owner will have a nice car with some simple repair but in big red letters on the For Sale it says "Does not run, AS-IS!" $500 and it's yours. I'm done, I'll miss it because it was with me so long but my shedule is such I don't have much free time. One guy who stopped by today is supposed to be back in the morning [so he says] with his brother in law, the mechanic. I told him it's not going to be a tire kicking session, I don't have the time or desire. It's $500 firm, cash and carry, period.

THANKS again!

Update: Car SOLD earlier this afternoon to a passerby looking for a sports car "project". The guy from yesterday never showed all morning but stopped by around 5pm wanting to know why I sold the car out from under him. Hmmmmm, I never got a deposit, just his word he'd be back in the morning [maybe his watch broke?]. Anyway, he got real upset saying I sold "his" car and I'm a liar and a loser. Oh well, glad this POS didn't get it, he doesn't deserve such a unique car. BTW: he left real quick after my wife let the Rotty out when I prompted her to. Seling cars, wouldn't want to do that for a living for any amount of money, glad I keep mine long term to avoid that mess :) I can't believe the jerks stopping by offering $100 or their idea of what was wrong with it. One said it's a blown head gasket, another said it sounded like a piston had a whole in it. I just shrugged my shoulders and said thank you then laughed all the way back to the house, sheesh!

I've been seeing an RX8 commercial all day, is that a sign? LOL!

I'll be picking up my "new" '85 GSL-SE Tuesday, I've already called here. She accepted my $3500 offer too, I'm very happy.

CYA and THANKS guys!

Hey

Dont stop this thread..........Make sure you find out from this guy what was wrong with the car........Its like a good book with no ending..........Have him give you a buzz......or have him join the forum and tell us about the great find he made and what he did to get it to run again........

Okay! I'm sure he'll let me know his progress, he has my # and I also have his so we'll see. I'm not sure how anxious he was to get started, it's to be a long term project and he needs to learn about the RX's first.

I pick up my "new" RX7 tomorrow, can't wait!

It will be great to hop in and enjoy versus getting the other one to run right then "restoring" it over time.

I would say I'm sorry, but you got another SE and that rocks!!! 160k is alot. Good luck with your new purchase.