may be the end of my 7
 

Brand new to the forum but had my 7 since '89. No use in last 5-6 mos. Attempt to start this am without success. Battery dead so jump start tried. Engine would turn over but wouldn't start. Each attempt would improve the turnover sound/ rate. Then, attempted to roll start it (worked in the past): nothing. Usually, would get a plume of white smoke and the car would start right up. Vehicle is a 1989 GXL with 179000 miles on it. Thanks.

eek 179 miles on it do the atf trick change spark plugs might be flooded if you need info on the atf trick look it on in the archihives that helped me out and i have 130k miles on it...
TwEaK

Check for spark first, Very well could be flooded though. Check for fuel pump operation by listening for the pump.

oh my grammer....
white smoke means burning coolent. leaky coolent seal?
Is the battery crap or is there a drain on the battery thats killing it?
I would say yeah you prolly flooded it the first time you tried to start it. Rotarys don't un-flood just sitting there, you have to activly de-flood it.
check http://rx7.com/tech/tech.html for the unflood procedure. Like tweak said check your plugs while your at it, they and the wires prolly need a change.

Try the ATF trick but it might just be time for a rebuild. Most likely flooded tho. Search around for info on unflooding it. There is this awesome shop in Morristown, TN called Rotary Resurrection: http://www.rotaryresurrection.com he will have your engine running like (or better then) brand new! Good luck man and welcome to the boards!