Sorry for the repost. I posted this exactly the same on the rx7 city forum...

This problem has gotten progressively worse over the past several weeks. I first noticed the problem when my 1988 TII RX-7 started flooding more often then usual (usual is perhaps once every 3 or 4 months). No problem, I know the tricks, but the flooding kept getting worse. About two days ago I noticed that the motor was having a harder and harder time turning as I was trying to flush the engine. Now I can hardly get the car started after turning it off.

I might drive for 45 minutes before turning the car off. An hour or so later when I try to leave the car it won’t start and floods. When I try flush the engine I can’t get 10 seconds worth of cranking before the engine wont turn. Jumping the card seemed to help (to first get it unflooded, and then to get it started), so I replaced the battery to no avail.

Sounds like the starter to me, but I don’t really know much about cars. Can anyone help me with some suggestions?

Things to note:
• The car runs fine once it’s started
• The battery is not the culprit
• Montana is cold
• My car is red
• Engine cranks strong at first but weakens until it can’t turn at all

 

What oil do you have in it? 20W-50 in the winter might be a bit thick.

And it sounds like it could be the starter, or, more likely, wiring going to the starter. See if you can check the voltage across the starter terminals while cranking. Or, maybe, even just check the starter connections - a loose nut could cause this.

-=Russ=-

 

Sorry about my delayed reply. I was in a dark corner of the world without Internet. Anyhow, I'm back now and thinking about my car again.

I'm thinking it's most likely the starter as you suggest. I'm going to have it looked at. I'll post the results.

Thanks

 

i would deffenitly put 10w30 in

I was having the same problem and i went to drain the 50w and it was like honey worked perfect afterwards

 

double posted..reply below

 

if you run thinner viscosity oil in the colder weather it definitely will help with the starting ..(by allowing the engine to turn easier..) the oil won't be as thick due to temperature..Agree with 10w30 ..(I have no starting issues in -20degrees Celcius)..and here in Canada they even came out with "Winter oil"..(canadian tire store..)...But it sounds like you may have problems with the Starter too(hot start?..Icemark would know )..you should also check the alternator too..(voltage wise)..and as mentioned before connections at the battery should be clean(ed) as well as at the starter..other people should chime in though with additional info..(besides Moving from Montana to a warmer climate!)