Yeah so I've had my 1988 rx7 convertable for about 5days, but sometimes it seems that it won't start, I've been thinking that it maybe be engine flooding but not quite sure what it is yet. I was wondering if there could be something else besides engine flooding that could cause my rx7 to not start correctly. Also every now and then when I start the car, it revs to about 1,000rpms and goes down to 0 and the engine dies. If anyone can help me with solutions for these problems I'd be very happy.

 

Well I tried starting it again, and all i can say is i hate engine flooding...and i'm starting to rethink that maybe I shouldn't have gotten an rx7 *sigh* can someone please help me.....

 

Can you be more specific? When it DOESNT start, does the cranking sound different? As of now I am suspecting a bad AFM or an intake leak. Checked out the engine to make sure no vac lines are off?

 

Alright, first of all, take a deep breath. Relax. In. Out. In. Out. There. Don't you feel better?

second, remember that you just bought a 17 year old machine. It'll take some lovin' to get it up to speed, so to speak.

Now that we got that out of the way. Often times things like bad engine grounds or vacuum leaks will cause stalling problems like you're describing. First thing I would do is give it a complete tuneup. This includes everything you can afford, all new vacuum lines (This is important), plugs and wires (these will often have trouble starting the car if they're old), replace any bad-looking coolant lines (or all of em, if you can afford it), change all of the filters, and don't forget the air and fuel filters, either!, and every one of the fluids should be changed, including the transmission, differential, clutch and brakes.

When you get a car this old, you basically have to assume that the previous owner didn't do all of the tune up things, even if they changed the oil regularly.

It would also help if you gave a bit more of a description as to what the problem was. Will it crank, but not turn over (start)?, or it doesn't crank at all? How does it run when it does start up? Any loping idle, or studdering problems?

Welcome to the Rx-7 family. In no time you'll be addicted to it like a high-schooler to crack, and have about the same amount of money

 

****, if I was a crack addict I would probably have MORE money....

 

If none of the things that wonkothesane work then you should check the throttle position sensor. To hopefully fix your flooding problem you should rev the engine up to 3grand for about 10 seconds if you get it started. If it wont start you should pull the egi fuse and crank it a couple of times. Then put the fuse back and try it again.

 

Yeah, but less of a buzz. I don't think a drug would be able to replicate the feeling of a racing rotary Obviously, I'm choosing love over money... as I still own an Rx-7

 

Thanks for the help guys, being that I am only 16 and have just gotten this car recently I still don't know many things about it. Well it cranks but it wont start. Me and my buddies suspected engine flooding, which is most likely the case but I'm not so sure, because after trying to start it I leave it alone for about 2-4 hours, come back and start it, which usually works. As of now it's sitting outside my drive way because I tried backing it out and me being the dumbass I am stalled it and it stopped at the entrance of my drive way. Once it died, I couldn't start it up again, so I had to push it to the side. well when I do get it started it sometimes goes past 3k rpms and goes to almost 4k rpms which is strange and I'm afriad of wat will happen so i shut down the car. Then at times it goes below 1k rpms and just die if i don't push lightly on the gas. But once it starts going and I dont stall it, It drives amazing. I love the way it handles and I love the feel of shifting gears. but can u please explain to me what idle looping is and wat studdering problems are? I think the previous owner took good care of it, it doesn't seem to have another major problems than the fact that it sometimes wont start. Oh and wen i do start it and let it sit, my rx7 backfires 2-4 times, is that a bad thing or a good thing?

 

Backfiring is common in rx-7's. If it wont idle try adjusting or replacing the throttle position sensor.

 

ok thanks, but whats a throttle position sensor, is it expensive to install and can I install it myself?

 

I agree, wear and tear is bound to happen.

If you have the budget to do it, replace pretty much anything that isn't metal underneath the hood... wires, hoses, plugs. If it's cheap to replace, replace it. Leaking fuel injectors may be a problem here.... not SUPER expensive of a fix, just annoying.

 

ok thanks alot

 

Oh, and as far as decoding techno-mumble-jumble, buy yourself a copy of the Haynes RX-7 Manual... it covers almost every part in your car. Oh, and congradulations on purchasing an RX-7.

 

Yeah I will, and thanks, I'm happy to have one....Even if it does have problems, but i guess every car has their own problems I should be happy that my problems aren't too bad.

 

ah, and for more mumbo-jumbo deciphering, fi you read the FAQs at the top of this section, there's a link to download the FSM (Factory Service Manual) for free. It's not as friendly as the haynes manuals, but it's what the mazda techs had when serviceing this car.. MUCH better I'd get both.

Now, one thing to do for a (hopefully) instant gradification is to change the plugs. Good condition spark plugs are a must-have for a properly running car, and being how you're 16, I'm guessing cash is a bit tight So start with just getting new plugs.. see how that helps. Make sure you get ONLY NGK plugs, and you get two sets of two (two Leading (L) plugs, and two Trailing (T) plugs). The T plugs go into the top two spark plug holes, and the L plugs go into the lower ones.. Try that

 

If you have a manual it will show you where it is on the throttle body. If you dont have a manual, then I will try to tell you where it is. If you are facing the engine it is on the front of the engine. It is a rectangular black box with a cylinder on it. If you follow the intake tube coming from the airbox it should be right around there. It has a connector going to it.

 

As far as the TPS goes, check to make sure its bad or in need of adjustment before you do anything to it. The fsm and haynes manual have the directions. Oh, the FSM is at iluvmyrx7.com.
RX-7's normally rev up to 3k when the car starts, until it warms up. This was designed to heat up the cats to help emmisions. You dont have to worry about it when it does that.
Congrats and welcome to the club.

 

Thank you all for your help!! I really appreciate it!! But one more question... Where can I buy the NGK plugs? is it off a website or can i get it at a local auto shop

 

I normally pick them up at Advanced Auto Parts (the only chain we have around here except for NAPA).. I know Pep Boys and AutoZone carriest them too.

 

Autozone don't carry NGK at all.

Buy the plugs from Advance Auto Parts, they have a 2 year in store free replacement and you will be replacing them alot., I have bought 2 sets of plugs since i have had my red RX-7 and have replaced them about 25-30 times already. I like having the spare set around, but since i'm running iridiums now that doesn't matter.

Oh yeah the reving to 3 grand on start is normal warm up, start it in gear and it shouldn't do it.

Like everone else said check and replace everthign you can

Also recomend do a compression check, check and adjust your idle, timing and tps sensor or replace if needed.

Oh and another great helper for the cars is to make you the code checker light box, forgot the link to how to make it but cost you about $3 to $10 depending if you put it in a box or not.

Definatly sit down and read the faqs section and vist many of the links in there as it is very helpful to first time Rx-7 owners.

And yeah welcome to the rx-7 world and have fun and be careful.

 

Thank you very much

 

Check your battery too. If it's easy charge it overnight and see if the car runs better in the morning. Just another good thing to check before spending money.

 

mine doesnt stay on tell it gets warm then it idles high.