k. i've wanted an rx7 forever now ive had one for almost a year. nothing but a big confusing headache. wondering if anybody close to me knows anybody. i just wanna get the whole motor rebuilt and be done with it. its an 88 se. idles up to 3000 @ start up then sputters and dies unless i keep feathering the gas for a minute or two then it idles at 2000-2500 rpms. has sum power but it takes a while to get going. all i know about the car is it supposedly has refirbished injectors new fuel pump fuel filter and i've done a tune up. due to the problem the car has no cats because the last owner thought thats what was wrong. please help me. also im thinking bout buying an 88 gxl and from the sound of it it sounds like it's got the same prob. idk......

 

Search button is your friend I've seen plenty of posts of people w/ the same problems. There is several links to online FSM's that you can view, find one and go through the troubleshooting section.

To me, it sounds like you have problems w/ either the idle speed and/or mixture settings, or a TPS or AFM problem. Also make sure you have no vacuum leaks and that the BAC valve intake hose is hooked up.

 

sounds like an vacuum or intake leak

 

You may not need a rebuild. Check the above ^.

YOU should do a compression check if you think it needs a new engine. Also finding someone who knows what they are doing can go a long way. Read as much as you can about your car. This site is very useful. That way when you do have someone help you u can understand what they are doing.

 

So it has no cats at all.

You need some backpressure to operate the 5th and 6th ports. If they are not activating then no power above 5k.

How is the exhaust set up?

 

as far as exhaust it has the header obviously and then it's missing the cats so after that it has the y pipe on back. the split air pipe that goes from the smog pump to the center cat is gone too.

 

Use propane to help you determine if the dying problem is due to a lack of fuel or vacuum leak. Borrow someone's propane torch (but do not light it obviously). Aim the unlit torch at the air intake to the air filter and open the valve on the torch. Have a friend sit in the car and start it and try to keep it running. If it will stay running on the propane but dies when you remove it, there is either a fuel delivery issue (low fuel pressure, clogged filters, etc.) or a large vacuum leak (cracked or leaking intake duct or vacuum lines, manifold gaskets) or possibly sensor problems ( coolant temp sensor, air intake temp, AFM, etc.) Search for info on these things and report back so we can help you.

 

Well you need some kind of pickup tube. Look at the RB header (racingbeat.com) and you can see that this system has a pickup tube at the header. It opens up the 5-6th ports. If you search long enough there may be another way.

scrip7 has a great idea. Try that to see if you can get her running first.