So me and my dad have been working on our 1991 RX-7 Convertible. We put the engine in and then tried starting it up. It still won't start up even though we have the battery charged, we're getting fuel and oil, and the compressions is good. We have also been trying to adjust the timing on the distributor, but nothing works even though we've been putting it on the TDC. I need help knowing how I can get the engine to start because it's starting to irritate me that it isn't starting.

 

welcome to the board.

if you don't already have one, you can get a copy of the FSM from here: Foxed.ca

is this a new car to you guys? how long was it sitting for? is this engine a rebuild or is it used?

go through the basics first.

fuel - sure-fire way to know if fuel is getting where it supposed to be is if your plugs are getting wet; if they are wet (really wet), then go through the deflooding procedure. if you're getting fuel to the rails, but not the chambers, then you might need to give the injectors a look. also, if the car was sitting for while, then gas may or may not be good. you can try simply draining and refilling, but for a more comprehensive approach, Google Aaron Cake's guide to refurbishing an Rx-7 fuel system.

compression - how do you know you have good compression? did you test it? if so, what were the numbers?

spark - set the CAS according to the FSM; check for spark at the plugs one by one; make sure your plug wires are all in the correct spots; if the plugs are not new, then maybe get a new set at least to have it on standby

 

Can you confirm that you are receiving spark? Are the spark plugs wet after cranking the engine?

If the plugs are dry, can you confirm injector pulse as well? You can use a noid light to confirm that the signal is being sent for the injectors to pulse. You may also want to apply 12V and a ground to each injector independently, on and off, to confirm that each injector clicks. This confirms, at the very least, that the injector will pulse when given signal.

 

There's a couple checks you could go through here.

-As was mentioned above, are your spark plugs wet with fuel? If so, you know you're getting fuel into the engine at least. If not, as was also mentioned, check to make sure the injectors are operating.

-are you sure the CAS is installed in the correct orientation?

-are you setting your base timing with a timing light for 2 stroke or 4 stroke engines?

-did you build the motor yourself, or was it professionally built? Double check your compression. It's best to use a compression tester specifically designed for rotaries, but there's a way to do it with piston comp testers too.

-have you verified you're getting spark? Test your plugs, coils, and plug wires. Plug wires and plugs would be the first things to check. Coils rarely fail, so check those last.