My 1987 TII has been sitting for 6 weeks. Won't start. It ran fine before it was parked. I bought a brand new Optima battery, won't start. Changed spark plugs... Won't start. I can smell gas fumes from the exhaust, so I don't think fuel is the problem. I know the battery is more than adequate, it's brand new. So? Should I try starter fluid or what?

 

Run a search in the forum for flooding. If you can smell fuel from your exhaust, your injectors might be leaking and flooding out your car.

 

I only smell the fuel after repeated attempts to start it.

 

You are just flooding your engine even more. When you changed your spark plugs were they drenched in fuel? Search for unflooding procedure and follow the steps.

 

Alright, I am trying the procedure from RX7.com. Here's hoping.

 

If that doesn't work try a tow start. that will get it to fire up.

Also Do the complex unflood where you take off the plugs. That way the fuel doesn't get on the plugs and makes it harder to start.

 

OK, I am doing the complex unflood. Just so I don't completely **** this up, I want to get the ATF INTO the engine, correct? It says "one ounce in each of the lower spark plug holes", so I am assuming they want it into the engine... I don't feel like replacing my engine today, so.......

 

lol! Go out and buy some 2 stroke oil from a gas station. It sells for around 2 dollars a quart. That is better than ATF.

 

I just got back from the autoparts store with my ATF and funnel. I wish I had known I was going to have to do this, I would have done it before putting in the new plugs...
Oh yeah, to answer an earlier question, the top two plugs REEKED of gas. The bottom two were ok.

 

make sure to wipe them clean of the gas and left them dry. Good luck.

 

She's alive!!! Whooo hoo!!!

 

Enjoy the nice cloud of white smoke?

 

Despite many comments to the contrary, there is no need to replace the new flooded spark plugs. I also had a major flood and did the complex unflooding but used MMO. Clean and dry the new plugs well and they will be OK. Mine were and still are.

 

Also after doing the complex unflooding procedure I believe it is recommended you change your oil immediately. Someone back me up or debunk me please.

 

That's what the RX7.com website says... They say the flooding contaminates the oil... I already changed mine. It sucks, because I had just had it changed 200 miles ago.

 

I had the same problem frequently with parking my T2 and not starting. I bought an 18" ground strap from napa, and regrounded the engine to the chassy, and it never happened again. my car was notorious for flooding before I had done this. I must have had the car towed back to my shop maybe 10 times.

thought this might help for preventing future flooding problems