I have a 1980 rx7 stock port with little to no mods done. Recently it has been screeching everytimei go to hot start it. not sure where it is coming from exactly but does it consistently. i heard it could be a couple things like the hot start assist, a/c, or air pump. im pretty new to rotary’s so any help would be much appreciated

 

To test the hot start assist, just unplug the power connector. For the air pump, remove the belt after the engine is hot and try to start. Only do these one at a time.

 

Does your engine cooling fan have a thermo clutch? I would check that. Also, check your power steering pump and idler pulleys, if your car has any of them. I've been through this same problem once before several years ago on my FC. Turns out it was bought the fan thermo clutch and PS idler pulley.

 

Well i have not tried the air pump belt since its a little more work to undo but I tried the power connection on the hot start assist and it stopped making the screech. I plug it back in and it continues to make the noise. Not sure if its the connection but it seems to look solid, leading me to believe the hot start assist itself is bad. might have to source another online or something but I really appreciate the help, I was having trouble finding the same problem in the forums and on youtube and stuff so i figured i would finally make a account and try it out. “Fixed” my problem in the same day. its temporary and i know ill need to continue troubleshooting but this helps alot. Thank you!

 

Yes, it immediately sounded like the hot start assist to me. Common problem. The are 2 kinds that look the same but have different connections for the harness. Easy to get the wrong one if you don't look close. However, you can fix your current one most likely.

You'll need to remove it from its mounting bracket and peel back the tabs that keep the cover on. Inside, there are some rubber bumpers on each end of the sector gear that degrade, melt and basically keep the gear from moving. The squawking you hear is a small plastic clutch inside that is trying to overcome the stuck mechanism. Clean it out good, pick out all the old rubber and clean the teeth of the gear with a toothbrush and solvent or WD-40. It will work without the rubber, they are just limit cushions for the sector gear. Re assemble and try it out. The first time I encountered a bad one, I thought it was my starter making noise. I put a couple different starters in before I figured it out.

 

I have this issue also and have swapped starters also.

Where is the hot start assist located? I have never heard of that before.

 

The backside of the drivers strut tower. All it does is open the throttle plate slightly when the engine is warm. You can do the same with your foot on the throttle.

 

Thanks. I will add that repair to the list.