To start my 85 RX7 GS, I turn on the key, give it two pumps of accelerator, pull out the choke and turn the key to starter. I then have to give it additional gas in order to get it to start (by the way, I do not hear a fuel pump or anything). I have to sit with my foot on the gas with the the choke pulled out 1/2 way for at least 5 minutes before I can get out and let it finish warming up. Once it is warm, and I drive it, if I shut it off and leave it for any period of time, it will not restart without me pulling the choke halfway out and giving it gas. The only additional piece of information is that when I try to start it warm, there is a very strange sound from my left side almost like static from a radio speaker but my radio is not on. Once the key has been let go, the static quits. I don't know if that has any relation to the starting problem or not. Also, I have drove a carburetored 1983 Olds for 20 years with an automatic choke and usually once it starts, I have a 'whoosh' sound come from under the hood and the idle holds at that level until it warms up and I have to knock it down by pushing on the accelerator pedal. With the RX-7, I hear a 'whoosh' start right after the engine starts but then it quickly quits which may be why I have to hold my foot on the gas so long before I can leave the car. I know this is a long post and I appreciate anyone reading it. Thanks.

 

How long since it had a tune-up ( spark plugs /spark plug wires changed/ etc....)?

 

also fuel filter? (BTW you wont hear the fuel pump, it comes on during cranking, and only stays on while the engine is running and its very quiet). The whoosh is most likely your fan spinning up and then reaching its speed.

Hows your battery cables? the static may be arcing of the cables either at the battery, or at the starter.

 

I purchased the car at the end of November, 2002. I looked back on the records and it appears that it hasn't had a tuneup since 1996.

 

Milage? It would be a good idea to do the tune up. Plugs (NGK), cap and rotor (Mazda only) , wires, fuel filter, oil change w/filter.

 

plus!!!! you should not have to hold the gas down with the choke out. the linkage is messed up somewhere, the choke should hold the gas for you.