Hey guys I am new to RX-7's and new to this forum. I just bought an 89 auto GXL. The guy that sold it to me said something about the engine not having compession. Ok heres the thing, the car cranks but it does not start. It did start once for like 5 mins but then it died again. Another thing, while we were towing the car and the car is in motion (going about 30 mph.) the car starts and the engine sounds decent. But as soon as we come to a stop light the rpms drop and the car shuts down. I took it to my mechanic and he says we have to chage the fuel pump first. I disagree because while cranking it you can easily smell the gasoline. It could possibly be flooding. Please help any suggestions will be greatly appreciated !!! I hear alot about RX-7's performence....I want to be able to experience it.

 

Never heard of bump starting an automatic before. Are you sure it ran for five minutes? Was it running at idle without any outside help? If the car ran for 5 minutes at idle without any help, then it has some compression. Why did you buy a car that has no compression again? You should pull the front bottom spark plug out along with the EGI fuse and turn the motor over with the starter. You should hear three distinct whoooshes! Two, you're fucked; One, you're fucked. Then try the rear bottom spark plug. If you bought this car real cheap you might just come away a winner; if not ...

 

New plugs, check that the TPS (throttle position sensor) is in spec, new battery, try adding 4 tablespoons of ATF (automatic transmission fluid) in the sparkplug holes, etc..

If you can get it running & warmed up, take it to the mazda dealership and make sure they use the Rotary engine specific compression tester and they'll give you back 6 numbers.

If it's really low on compression, order one of the seal kits and do a rebuild on the engine.

 

Thanks for all the advice, I really appreciate it. Yeah i picked this car up for $800. Do you think it was worth it? It wasn't really a bump start, it was that i was sittiing in the car while my buddy was towing with his jeep. So while the car was moveing i turned the key and it started. I tried a coupple of times to start it while the car was parked but it never started again. I'll try what you said to do about the whole process and listening for the whoosh sound 3 times and i will also try the trans fluid thing. How hard is it to put new seals in the engine? Is it easier then replacing the engine? Anymore suggestions??

 

Putting new seals in is essentialy replacing the engine, you have to take it out and apart. It would be like replacing the wrings on a pison engine, there called apex seals.