I have just became the proud owner of a 1985 rx-7. The owner says it will start but only run for 5 seconds. He believes the oil sending unit is bad. To me this would mean that the apex seals are bad due to the lack of oil. Where should I look first? Any ideas?

 

What? First check everything else... (see archives)

 

The current owner took it to a mazda dealer. The dealer says that compression is good and that the some oil unit needs to be replaced. Sorry for the lack of info but I am a newbie.

 

check fuel pump

 

First of all welcome to the forum.

The FAQ's section will lead you to finding the problem.
Did you get a copy of the compression check from the owner? And have you even attempted to sttart the vehicle yet?
You have 2 oil units. 1 is for the gauge and the other is for low level of oil, unfortuneatly neither have anything to do with your described problem.

Usually the only thing associated with your sympton is fuel. Usually low pressure or volume.
The easiest thing to do is take the air cleaner assembly off. Detach the fuel feed hose, larger of the 2. Put some sort of container to catch the fuel and turn the key to the on posistion.
See how much fuel comes out. There are specs for this. So many mililiters in 30 seconds but for right now you just want to see what is going on.
Recommend that you replace the fuel filter before this just incase it is a clogged filter.
Just a tip. You might want to change your profile to reflect your RX7. Please include what
model it is. IE: Gsl,Gs, Or Gs model unless by chance you have a Gsl-Se which i am inclined that you do not.

 

'85. Hmm. Maybe fuel pump relay strikes yet once again...

Even before you do detach the fuel hose and all that, look at the carb's front bowl glass (that is, assuming is not an GSL-SE model). Is there no fuel at all? when you crank the engine, does the tach needle move at all?

 

But if the relay was bad it would not start at all. He said it would run for about 5 seconds then die.

 

He might have been using the last remains of fuel in the carb bowls.

 

Mine did this. It would run as long as held the gas to the floor.

 

Now that you baited us. What did it take to fix it?

 

Hey you decided to keep it. Good choice. That rx7 looks very clean.

It's an 85 GSL guys. Fuel issue is right, follow what the doctor recommends.

 

Well here are some pics of the RX7. Just got it today. I don't really think its worth fixing. It does start right up and drive but it needs what I consider to be a lot of work. The engine being the mot. The radiator is shot. I don't even know where to start. What do you think?

 

More pics.

 

Hell anything is fixable! Id say give it a shot, why not?

By the way welcome to the darkside! Muwhaha

 

Welcome to the world of RX 7 owners. As for your problem mine did the same thing i droped the tank cleaned it out real good put a new fuel filter and rebuilt my carb. Ran like a dream after that. I did flush teh fuel lines to. Well good luck with your car.

 

I have a new radiator and older FMOC (It's bent a bit, but still flows fine, no problems... it's just not pretty... it's mechanically sound though) from a 79, with brand new oil lines, and I live 2 hours away from you.


I also have some nice wheels that would look great on your car.

 

Sorry,

I have been away. What is an FMOC? I am not familar. Is it a factory mazda carb? Let me know. Ill try to keep it but it is way too much. Any way it goes I still need to at least get her running.

 

It took a new intake gasket, a none crackintake manifold and a rebuilt carb. My intake had a crack right where the coolant plugs were.

 

Hell if you dont want it Ill take it off your hands.

 

a FMOC is a Front Mount Oil Cooler which is a better efficient way to cool your oil compared to a "beehive" or the oil cooler (which is mounted below the oil filter) that came in 83-85 models like yours. it looks like the body and interior is good. but the engine bay needs work like you said. good luck

 

Trust me. The photos make the car look much better than it is. So my plan is to order and replace the fuel filter. This vehicle has 160000+ miles. I know this is towardsn the end of its life. What are the signs that the engine would need a rebuild. It starts right up. Oil pressure is fine. Its kinda loud buty i'm assuming that is exhaust probles. Is there anything on the tech forum to help with the removal of the rats nest as you guys call it.