2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

help for a non-starting 88 RX-7 N/A

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Old Oct 9, 2002 | 03:03 PM
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From: Lake Wallenpaupack, PA
help for a non-starting 88 RX-7 N/A

I have a 1988 Mazda RX-7 which, up until two days ago, has been running fantastic. I bought a "new" CPU through an eBay auction, installed it, and the car ran great. The white "code" on my old CPU was FB01...on the "new" was FB05. I drove the car for two great road runs...got home, and shut the car off. About two hours later, I attempted to start the car, and all it would do was turn over, but not start. The first thing I guessed was that the "new" CPU was bad and replaced it with my original. Still, the car would not start. I have all electrical accessories, no blown fuses inside or in the engine bay, I have lights, and all of the idiot lights in the clock panel light up when the key is turned on. I smell gasoline, the plugs and wires are new...any clues as to what the heck has happened? I had a mechanic/friend stop over and he attempted to start it as well. He said that he took out the top front spark plug and used his finger over the spark plug hole as a basic compression check. He didn't feel any compression when the engine was cranking. What could have happened between a car that ran GREAT...sat for a couple of hours...and now absolutely will not start?! Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.
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Old Oct 9, 2002 | 03:16 PM
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Don't know anything about CPUs and how they're labeled, but I do know if you're smelling gas it could be flooded. If there's one thing I know about the rx7 it's the ecu trick. Pull the ECU fuse from the engine bay compartment. Put the pedal to the floor while turning it over for about 10 sec. Then replace fuse and turn over ignition without depressing the pedal. should start, repeat if necessary.
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Old Oct 9, 2002 | 03:24 PM
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Thanks...I have tried pulling the ECU fuse and doing the restart - still nothing. I've done this basically for most of yesterday.
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Old Oct 9, 2002 | 03:27 PM
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Sorry thought it might help. hope the engine isn't shot...no compression is bad Only other thing I'd suggest is taking the plugs out and cleaning them if they're fowled. But I'll just shut up and let the rx7 gods take it from here
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Old Oct 9, 2002 | 03:58 PM
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Try the complex unfloding procedure.

https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...lex+unflooding

I would hold off on using ATF until you are CERTAIN that it wont start any other way.

Rat
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Old Oct 9, 2002 | 04:02 PM
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1. Pull EGI fuse
2. Remove both lower spark plugs
3. Put an ounce of oil into each chamber
4. Rotate engine by hand a few times
5. Put ounce of oil into each hole
6. Reinstall plugs
7. Put EGI fuse back in
8. Start car
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Old Oct 9, 2002 | 04:05 PM
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AKA the complex unflooding procedure...
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Old Oct 9, 2002 | 04:55 PM
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Originally posted by Aaron Cake
1. Pull EGI fuse
2. Remove both lower spark plugs
3. Put an ounce of oil into each chamber
4. Rotate engine by hand a few times
5. Put ounce of oil into each hole
6. Reinstall plugs
7. Put EGI fuse back in
8. Start car
Yeah, than change oil! You don't want ATFand Fuel In your Oiling System after that. It Is also suggested here http://www.rx7.com/tech/unflood-fc.html
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Old Oct 9, 2002 | 05:10 PM
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From: Lake Wallenpaupack, PA
Thanks to all who posted their help with this problem. It probably shows all too appearantly that I am "new" to the Wankel rotary engine scene. I have done all that you suggested so far (exception: I used standard 10w40 oil)...does this scene happen often with the rotary engine? The car will still not start...so...let me guess - blown apex seals, right? My only reservation about a blown engine is that it was running fantastic right till I shut it off. I would think that I would have heard or felt something if the engine "blew". Keep any and all suggestions flowing, as I deeply appreciate your help. It's nice to see in this day and age. "Guess it's an RX-7 thing...!"
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Old Oct 9, 2002 | 05:39 PM
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you car not starting has nothing to do with the new CPU problem. The CPU controls only the horn, dash lights, headlights....etc.....the ECU is what controls the main companents of the car....

yeah seems like it may be flooded. Did you not warm up your car n drive it of to the store n stop it? that would have caused the flooding.
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Old Oct 9, 2002 | 07:39 PM
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From: Lake Wallenpaupack, PA
To everyone who posted their help - A BIG THANK YOU!!! You guys have been at this a while! I tried the ATF...the car started right up. Who woulda thunk? Anytime any one of you are in the North East Pennsylvania area...man, do I owe you guys a drink! Thanks again. One last little question - does this happen alot to the RX-7 (?) and, if it does, is there a good fix for it?!
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Old Oct 9, 2002 | 08:46 PM
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From: Hood River oregon
Honestly, its indicative of a bigger problem. Maybe a seal going bad or a leaky injector. You could install a fuel cut-off switch (cheap route, temp fix). Or you could have the injectors tested and flowed (more expensive, better fix). Make sure that if you start up the motor cold, you LET IT WARM UP before you shut it off, or you could potentially flood it again.

I am sure there are some more suggestions to follow..

Rat
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Old Oct 17, 2002 | 10:58 AM
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is it a standard? if u do flood it in the future, get it rolling about 5-10 mph and put it in 1st and let out the clutch while turning the key. if it is flooded this will start it every time.
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