Ryde _Or_Die

I have an 88 N/A & it is currently not running. I have changed plugs, wires, fuel filter & checked the alternator...the car will do everything but actually start. I am thinkin it is the coils I need to change. Anyone have any experience with this? I do not want to start something I can't finish. Does it sound like this is the problem? The engine ran fine & it really seems like an electrical problem or something like that. Thanks.

Chris

Jahoo88

Are you getting spark? Check it by cranking the motor over while holding a plug wire close to a ground. If no spark then coils might be dead but i think it might be soemthing else also.
Changing coils takes all of 5 minutes. If youre changing coils and ignitors will take even less, only 4 bolts and a connector.

Ryde _Or_Die

I'm goin to check that tomorrow, if its not the coils what do u think it is? Any other suggestions? Thanks for your reply.


Chris

HAILERS

Probably just flooded.Pull one of the two wires out of the lead coil(front assy). Have someone crank the engine over while you hold the wire just at the opening of the hole that it goes into. Did it spark. Answer..probably yes. Put the wire back in the hole. Pull the lower plugs.Remove the ECU fuse in the engine bay. Crank the engine over for 30 seconds. Put two FRESH PLUGS in to replace the ones you took out. Make sure the plugs wires are on.Put the ECU fuse back in. Start the car. It never hurt to spray some starter fluid in the intake prior to doing this. Don't waste your time messing with the trail plugs or coil. They are not required for the car starting and running. Waste of money and time. Make yourself a fuel cut switch for future flooding. PulLing the ECU fuse is a drag. Of course your problem could be some other thing like a large vaccum hose falling off etc.

Ryde _Or_Die

I did the unflooding trick once, and fixed it. Didn't work this time. Also, the car was runnin around 70 mph...and then it lost power and died. It was like the gas pedal was not really doin anything at all. Thats the same thing my friends car did (not an Rx7). He said it ened up bein his distributor. Thats all gravy except Rx7s don't have distributors. So i figure its the coils. Any other suggestions? Thanks again for your replies.


Chris

HAILERS

Could you tell us if when you held the sparkplug wire close to a ground , did you have a spark? Or if you pull one of the lead coil wires out of its bore and hold it close to the bore while cranking the engine, did it spark. That is the easiest way to tell if a coil is bad. If it has spark we can move on to fuel. Jumper the fuel shorting plug near the r/h strut tower and with the key on break the connection on the fuel rail and see if you have fuel pressure. I see where you are coming from mentioning the 70mph, but maybe you should check for spark anyway.

Ryde _Or_Die

I'm still workin on it guys...Tropical Storm Gabrielle wasn't cooperatin but I am off tomorrow so I will see if I have spark...if not then I figure fuel problem as well. Just in case so I have sumin else to move on to if it has spark, how do I check for fuel pressure again? I need this fixed this week. If I have no spark do u suggest I order the coils? $50 sound good for some used ones? Thanks for the replies.

Chris

Ryde _Or_Die

::bump:: need to keep this up top right now

Ryde _Or_Die

up, up, up...

Ryde _Or_Die

Ok, I have a spark, I tested it by takin a leadin wire off the sparkplug and put it on a ground. There was spark. So that does mean my coils are fine right? Well next is fuel or ECU right? Can't figure out how to check the fuel. I don't quite understand what you meant by jumper the fuel thing. Could you please be very specific? I am not in any way a mechanic at all. O yea, I tried to look at the ECU & see if there were any problems I could see but couldn't. And I have to get this car runnin or ima be out a job. Gotta get it done this week, really in the next few days. Please help. Thanks.


Chris.

Ryde _Or_Die

Anyone.....??? Please...before my other car quits on me.

DanW

how bout you buy yourself a "haynes manual" it gives you detailed instructions on how to do most repair work to your car.