Jere Urso

1984 Mazda RX7 GSL 12A

I had about an 1/8th tank and decided to throw $20 worth of 87 unleaded gas like I always do and it got me a little over 3/4 tank. Paid for it, came back, went to go start, 12.6 volts on the battery, everything light up like it always does. No crank, no starter click, no nothing but everything electrical worked. It was confusing at first, I have never had a problem with anything, not even symptoms with starting or driving the rx7. What comes to mind is bad starter, but that couldn't be the case, it was replaced not to long ago and it's in solid shape. While I sat there looking like a dummy for not leaving, I was legitimately scared for once about my car. Luckily I lived right behind this gas station and if I had to push it, I could. I started to fiddle with my Haynes manual trying to figure out why it wouldn't start, couldn't really find anything. Before I called someone to help, I gave it one last try. It started right up. No problems since. Weird right? This was two days ago.

placd1

iTrader: (3)

Check the main fusible link. Mine did that to me before and it turned out to be an issue with the fusible link. Next time it happens, swap the main with the one for the headlight and see if it fires up. Or even better , replace the fusible links with FC fuses or a complete FC fuse box. Super easy and simple to do.

Jere Urso

Thanks for the advice!

Jeff20B

iTrader: (13)

Ignition switch might be a little scratchy.

derSchwamm

iTrader: (1)

I am having this exact problem right now. This happened a few days ago but after a couple tries it started no problem. Now I am having no such luck. I'm new to this-can someone tell me where the main fusible link is and how to check it?

Qingdao

iTrader: (3)

Its your starter. tap on it with a mallet. The starter has a bad armature or some contaminant in it. Taping on it or jarring it moves the starter around to the next area with a better connection.


YES, new remans can do this.

t_g_farrell

iTrader: (1)

Check the little wire that triggers the starter from the ignition switch. Its a spade connector
down by the starter and if its loose this can happen randomly. I fought this one time for about
a month before I figured it out.

derSchwamm

iTrader: (1)

Well my spade connector was barely hanging on, but plugging that back in didn't fix it. I hit the starter with a hammer a few times and sure enough it cranked. Does this mean I need a new starter, or is there any way to fix the one I have?

Thanks for the help!

Qingdao

iTrader: (3)

If you can find an alternator shop they can rewind it for you. They can also repair your alternator and re-core your radiator to brand spanking new condition. But these shops are almost non-existent now. So the next best thing is buy into the Chines, with a lifetime warrantee starter motor.


You might be able to clean it up. I owned a Virago (a very long time ago) and they have a common flaw in starter location and build quality. The simple trick to not being stuck in a no start situation, from what I read, was to clean the starter regularly. I didn't own that bike for very long and so I never looked into what it would take to clean a starter but it might solve your problem.

Jere Urso

I'm almost 100% sure it could be my starter's solenoid.

Arcolithe

for the main fuse, you can always stick in 20A/40A/20A FLF fuses, the 40A should be in the center...
not sure how it would fit in for an FC fusebox though.

Qingdao

iTrader: (3)

Then bridge it with a cheap wrench. If that works fine every time; then get a new starter. (I doubt a parts store will stock a solenoid)


You can use jumper cables to test the starter pretty easy when its sitting in a vise.