Greetings all!

My 86 NA RX7 has been slowly developing a bad habit and it is getting worse!

Cranks fine (new starter and battery), seems to catch and run to about 1500 to 2000 rpm but if i let go of the key it dies. Does that a few times then will start on the 3rd or 4th attempt! Used to just do it once maybe twice then start. Used to start the first time every time even just 6 months ago...

However, other times it starts right away.

Let me say also that whether it starts after a few times, or right away it usually smells very rich like gas right afterward.

It is a 2 yr old rebuilt engine that runs really well when driving. At the install I had new plugs and wires installed.

I dumped a fuel system cleaner in it, to no avail.

Thought the plugs could be bad and have read threads that these years of rotaries need plug changes often, however as you can see attached pics of plugs, I do not think they look that bad!

Help!

I have read other starting threads that suspect MAF sensor or coil and igniters. Where do I go next? My RX7 is my daily driver and it is a bummer to have such a cool car that is embarrassing starting in a parking lot. Worse off I feel it will continue to get worse!

Any suggestions appreciated.
Thanks,
Matt - Phoenix

 

The plug on the left looks like there is carbon build up and at least needs cleaning.

 

"My 86 NA RX7 has been slowly developing a bad habit and it is getting worse!"

I love rx7's with all my heart, but that is probably the best description of an rx7 haha

 

Did you get the injectors cleaned when you got the new engine?

Maybe the injectors are leaking?
Check fuel filter and pump too just in case.
Having a fuel pressure gauge inline helps find some of these issues too.

Although you say it dies when you let off of the KEY. Could your ignition switch have a bad wire?
What about keeping the car alive by giving it throttle?

 

Plugs cleaned and the problem persists...

I have tried giving it gas to keep it going once it cranks and that does not work.

I did not think about a loose ignition wire in the steering column. I will be ginger today when releasing it from the starting position.

I did not get the injectors cleaned when the new engine was installed, but since it runs really strong when started I did not think the fuel filter or injectors were at fault.

The strong gas smell when starting leads me to think MAF sensor. I think my next step is to replace the fuel filter. Is there any way to inspect it from the outside? They look solid black.

Yeah...
Thanks for the posts. -Matt

 

Try jumpering the Fuel Check Connector and see if this helps to any degree.

 

Satch,
When you say jumping the fuel connector, do you mean with the key to ignition? With the fuel lines connected? I have seen this used in other posts concerning fuel...
Would this be a quick fix?

What I am trying is just letting the car sit with the key in the ignition mode for 10 seconds rather than trying to start it right away when I get in. The car is starting for the moment, but it does this for awhile then acts up again!

Here's to hoping!
-Matt

 

Near the passenger strut tower encased in a Black rubber boot is a Yellow plug w/two wires, one is Black and the other is Brown. The plug is part of the Emission harness and is usually found under a group of wires found in that harness. Jumper both wires to each other.

 

So...in a follow up to this post...
What appears to at least have a decent result in getting the car started almost every time 80% of the time:
-Allow the car to idle for 10 seconds after parking before shutting off.
-Allow the car to sit in the #2 position of the ignition switch for 10 seconds before starting.
I think between the ECU issue and fuel pump getting time to establish pressure either or both of this is working.

At this point I do not care which or why!!!

 

Sound like the problem relates to the Ignition Switch, wiring to the interior fuse box, and wiring to the Main Relay.

 

Satch,

Thanks again for your help and replies. Now that you mention it, in my ritual of turning the key to the number 2 position for 10 seconds, I notice that sometimes the accessories and the caution panel lights do not illuminate. When I try again, they will.

It may indeed be a loose wire or loose connection in the ignition switch! I have no clue how I would trouble shoot that though...

Anybody have similar issues or know step one in finding out what's going on?
Thanks,
Matt

 

Your Ignition Switch has four plugs. One plug has a Blue wire and the other wire is Black/Red. Found towards the bottom of the steering column, the Blue wire is the Accessory wire. W/key to ACC it should have voltage. If it does not then make sure the plug housing these two wires is good and if that doesn't help then the ignition switch is the likely culprit. The only other possibility is the wire which powers the Ignition Switch. It's located a foot below the engine fuse box and mates two fairly thick Black wires in a Black connector to each other. Make sure the connection is good as well.

 

After much further review it does appear the ignition switch is the culprit.
During a failed attempt at starting, if I wiggle the key as the RPM winds down it sometimes catches and starts.
I will be buying a new ignition switch and installing it shortly.
More to follow...
Thanks again Satch for all your help and guidance.
-Matt

 

Satch you rock!
New ignition switch installed and the starting problems have ended. Much easier install than I expected and $80 for a new one on Ebay.
Thanks everyone for the help.
Back to driving the 7 on glorious Phoenix fall days!
-Slingblade