My FC's starter sometimes take 2-3 turns of the ignition key for it to engage. Sometimes it works on the first try. Is that usually a solenoid issue or are the brushes on the starter worn?

 

Just take a screwdriver of proper length and bridge the bolt where the positive battery cable connects to the starter to the solenoid clip connector and the starter should turn over instantly. Do this with the car not in gear. Try this a couple of times and you'll know whether it's the starter or not creating the problem.

 

Is it just clicking then it turns or is it turning (whirring noise) then it engages?

 

mine does the same thing, but it just makes a clicking. "click, click, click, spin"

 

It does nothing. The last few mornings, its started first time... its intermittent.

 

Have you done the screwdriver test? It's a lot easier to test it that way then going throught the time and trouble of removing it and taking it to a shop for testing. Takes but a couple of minutes to do to verify whether the starter itself is at fault or not. You have to start somewhere!

 

It sounds like you may be developing this problem: https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/ive-solves-2nd-gen-sticky-starter-mystery-896013/.

My $5 fix: https://www.rx7club.com/showpost.php...9&postcount=39.
https://www.rx7club.com/showpost.php...7&postcount=58

I had this problem start up out of the blue 2 years ago. I replaced the starter and ignition switch, and cleaned the various wiring connections, but nothing helped permanently. The clutch interlock switch is also in the start circuit, and can be to blame if pressing/releasing the clutch pedal gets the starter to spin. Anyhow, I added a relay with a direct 12V source for the starter solenoid, and it's been working perfectly for the past 5 months.

 

Satch - Haven't had time yet. I've been spending most of my garage time trying to get my wifes 3 back on the road again. Will try it though next time *my* baby gets some love.

 

Rocket, that sounds very plausible. I'll have to test some of that out after I verify the starter isn't the culprit.

Thanks gents!

 

About a year ago I did this, too. I don't even notice having to reach down to flip the starter switch any more. If you go this route just make damn sure it's in a spot you nor any passengers/cargo won't flip the switch accidentally, which is why I used a covered switch to close the relay and placed in the dash down next to the driver's door pocket.

 

^ Ah, you added a relay with a switch and bypassed the stock wiring. My fix just adds a relay into the stock wiring, and does not require any extra switch. All it does is change the ignition switch/security relay setup into a switch for my additional relay, which happens to pull direct battery power from the fuse box. The stock setup sends power to the solenoid in an extremely indirect manner, which invites a current drop. There's a diagram in the thread I linked to.