So this is gonna sound like every thread ever posted by a newbie... but here goes, my RX-7 runs like crap! I need help! It spits and sputters and stumbles and backfires. I've done all the tune up stuff I thought would help (new plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor) and it made no difference. Is there something glaringly obvious that I just don't know about rotaries or what? I would really appreciate any help, thanks in advance.

Colleen

 

fuel filter may be the problem, or the carb needs to be tuned

 

carburetor rebuild!

 

Welcome to the forum. If you don't know anything about how the rotary works check out the faq page where it will tell you about it from howstuffworks.com. Good info. Check the faqs, archives and the search button, they will help you out big time... us too. Replace the fuel filter, and check the shutter valve. Change the spark plugs too. If fuel filter don't help then try plugging the vacuum hole in the air filter box closest to the driver side. Helped me out. thats the shutter valve... and when goes bad describes what your going through. God bless

 

Make sure your leading and trailing timing is correct. Check for any deteriated vacuum hoses that could be causing a leak.

 

How is it timed? I'm not an automotive idiot, and I undserstand the basics of how the rotary works... I just dont get how it's timed

 

And I have a new fuel filter, but I cant find the location of the old one

 

Welcome to the forum and the dark side.

In my sig line is a link to the online FSMs, carb manual, etc.. Read/download whatever you need.

Fuel filter is located underneath the body, near the left rear wheel. Timing is the same as any other engine of the era, except you get to time it twice and setting the trailing is different, but not difficult.
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Thanks for the info, I'll give it a whirl after work.

 

Wow, what a difference a fuel filter makes! I'm sure the fact that the timing was WAY off had a lot to do with the way it was running too. Thanks for all your imput folks, my car really appreciates it!