Hi All,
I checked the archives for some info but didn't see anything relating to this problem, so excuse me if it's been hashed before and I missed it.
I'm working on a base model '80 rx, with a 12A, and it appears to be timed correctly, it is getting fuel, and is getting spark, and the engine cranks and cranks, but it isn't catching. I can crank it all day but it won't fire and run. Anybody know of a common reason for something like this? I've pulled all of the plugs individually and checked them for spark by grounding them against the block and get a good spark each time, the wires are routed correctly, I've replaced the plugs with new ones and gapped them at .040 as the manual says, the plugs are practically dripping with fuel when I crank the engine for a while, so I know it's getting gas; so if it sparks and gets gas, why won't it run? It's driving me nuts! Help!

 

Is it getting air? Clogged filter?

How's the compression?

 

Hi Mantis, thanks for the quick reply. It's getting air as far as I know, even with the top off of the air cleaner and the filter element out, it won't start. I haven't checked the compression with a gauge yet, (planned for tomorrow morning) but when I had the plugs out to check the spark, it blew air/fuel mixture out pretty strong, so I know the apex seals aren't completely shot. Could it be an electrical interrupt that's dead? I have no history on the car and there are a few unplugged connectors and cut wires in the engine bay that I can't seem to trace.

 

I would put a couple ounces of oil down the intake and see if that helps. Sounds like the classic weak compression scenario.

 

It could be that your are getting TOO much fuel to the car. RX-7's are bad flooders, as you probably know. I know that when my '82 would flood, it would crank til the cows came home and nothing would happen. I don't know if that possible or not, but I thought I'd just throw it out there. Definately check the compression though, and maybe try the ATF trick if it's low. You might just have some stuck seals. Remeber that piston compression testers are not accurate on a rotary.

Good Luck

Matt
1979 SA22C

 

Hi All,
I did try a piston engine compression tester though I knew I'd get only a partial reading. The readings as taken at the spark plugs holes came back as thus;
T1-30 lbs. , L1-30 lbs., T2-45 lbs., L2-45 lbs.
Looks like my apex seals may be toast or at least very bad. I did try the oil in the intake trick but to no avail. Thanks for the suggestions folks, I appreciate any and all help. Looks like it may be time to look at rebuilding the motor.

 

hi
i do a search look for the ATF treatment it sound like the same problem i had. the ATF worked for me

 

You give up to easy...

 

wow, that is what mine was doing. after unflooding the engine by removing the spark plugs, which were wet. and cranking the engine with the fuel pump fuse removed. well I still had the same problems. poped off the upper plate on the carb and looked inside to find... water! about a 1/4 cup in each bowl. I cleaned up the carb and dried it out. shot some carb cleaner though the passages also. I reassymbled the carb and disconnected the fuel lin and purged the line by pumping the fuel into a gas can. now I just need to tune the carb.

 

Yea, it sounds like you've flooded it, if the plugs are "dripping" with fuel... try turning it over with the plugs out, to clear the excess fuel, then start it. During the winter months this question is as common as they come, so your not alone..... try searching.

 

Hi All,
Thanks for the replies, I'm copying them to take with me when I can get back to the car (it's in storage at a relative's house about 1000 miles away.) I will try again as soon as I can. I did a search on the ATF treatment and got the particulars. I should have mentioned it is an '80 SA22c with the stock 12A engine and 84,000 mi. on it. It has brand new plugs, wires and cap and rotor. I have pulled each plug and get spark all the way to the plugs, so if the ATF trick doesn't work, any other suggestions?