My 87 rx7 is not cranking over. The battery is strong when we bypass and jump start the starter it cranked over lastnight, but not today. It doesn't appear to draw any electricity when the headlights are on. Any ideas on what we should try next? Is there any way to test the starter? Thanks!

 

With the car not in gear, the simple way is to take a screwdriver of sufficient length and bridge the screwdriver between the point where the positive battery cable connects to the starter and the starter solenoid. So one end on the positive battery connection of the starter and the shaft of screwdriver on the starter solenoid, and the starter should turn over.

 

Okay. My grandpa used to be a mechanic and he said he's not sure on this car if there's metal bushings in the starter but to try tapping it and i did and it sparked. He thinks if there are bushings, they're messed up and it won't allow it to spin. Is this a possibility? Because it was turning over, now it stopped.

 

Will it turn over if you click the key over and over again, or pump the clutch pedal (clutch interlock switch)? This thread has a lot of information on how the starter receives power: https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/ive-solves-2nd-gen-sticky-starter-mystery-896013/.

 

Alright thank you guys!