2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

What should my air/fuel be at idle

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 20, 2009 | 09:42 PM
  #1  
13boostin's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Lake Tapps Wa
What should my air/fuel be at idle

Ok ive tried to search for this but i am just not getting the answer I need. I have a brand new engine done by atkins rotary. I have 600 miles on it. I have removed all emmisions and have a catless exaust. The car runs very good but im sitting at 12.6 when warm. Is this normal or should i be closer to stoch. When I am driving I have noticed under wide open throttle I am seeing low 11s to upper 10s. I do not want to cause any damage to this engine. I have also not been able to make a pull more than 4500 or so as the engine still needs another 500 miles or so to break in. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2009 | 12:05 AM
  #2  
RotaryEvolution's Avatar
Sharp Claws
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (30)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 50
From: Central Florida
at idle it should be around 14.5 on up to 17:1 air to fuel ratio. you can run richer down to 12.5:1 or even in the 11's but it's not necessary to be that rich unless the engine has **** poor compression in which case it will need more fuel to idle smoothly.

you could simply have some vacuum leaks or need to adjust your variable resistor.

11:1 at WoT is normal.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2009 | 12:10 AM
  #3  
jjcobm's Avatar
Are you experienced?
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,099
Likes: 2
From: Illinois
Actually, your idle should be smoothest when around 12-13 AFR, so you are experiencing normal idle. This is coming from a question I posted before and answered by a good member here. The engine of course is going to be running rich at WOT, especially if this is an NA. It's safe, you need to worry if that number starts to go high which is lean.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2009 | 01:07 AM
  #4  
13boostin's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Lake Tapps Wa
keep it coming i am just tryin to see what other people are seeing. Thanks oh and it is a turbo II
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2009 | 06:25 AM
  #5  
Puck's Avatar
Senior Member
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: Terrace Bay, Ontario
12.5 at idle gives me the smoothest running engine. Trying to lean it out causes it to stumble and rpm "hunt".
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2009 | 11:22 AM
  #6  
RotaryEvolution's Avatar
Sharp Claws
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (30)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 50
From: Central Florida
already said what i have to say, take it or leave it. it's ok, i guess i have been gone a while.. S4 TIIs are the lowest compression of all rotary engines so keep that in mind also, since it was never mentioned so you may have to be in the 12.5-13:1 area for a smooth idle, with a high mileage worn engine possibly as low as 11:1 AFR if compression is getting into the 70's.
Reply
Old Jul 22, 2009 | 12:45 AM
  #7  
13boostin's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Lake Tapps Wa
thank you Karack
Reply
Old Jul 22, 2009 | 12:42 PM
  #8  
wangster11235's Avatar
Full Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: PA
When you guys are saying the afr around idle should be 12-13, is that with the air pump still attached?
Reply
Old Jul 22, 2009 | 01:11 PM
  #9  
Aaron Cake's Avatar
Engine, Not Motor
Tenured Member: 20 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 29,798
Likes: 128
From: London, Ontario, Canada
This topic is a bit confusing to me. Karak knows what he is doing so I don't understand the suggestion that a rotary can idle from 14.7 to 17:1. In all the years I have been doing this (10) I have never seen a rotary that will idle well in the 14s. After about 13.5 they become unstable and closer to 14 the idle wants to wander, requiring a lot of idle valve to keep it steady. At around 14, any additional load (like an e-fan) will cause the idle to drop like a stone. I can't imagine idling leaner then that, so 15, 16 or 17:1 sounds very odd to me.

The best idle ratio is as lean as you can go without the idle wandering around or becoming unstable when the engine sees a bit of load. In my experience, this is around 13.5:1 if you have an idle valve, and high 12s if you don't.

As always with tuning, your mileage may vary.
Reply
Old Jul 22, 2009 | 11:50 PM
  #10  
13boostin's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Lake Tapps Wa
thank you
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2009 | 06:04 AM
  #11  
HAILERS2's Avatar
Rotary Freak
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 2
From: FORT WORTH TEXAS
The 13's without a airpump. Most anywhere b/t 15-17 if the ACV and airpump are functional.
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2009 | 09:07 AM
  #12  
Aaron Cake's Avatar
Engine, Not Motor
Tenured Member: 20 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 29,798
Likes: 128
From: London, Ontario, Canada
Right, that's the difference. The original poster specifies that he has removed all emissions and is catless.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
dona1326cosprings7
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
4
Oct 29, 2015 06:47 AM
LongDuck
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
12
Oct 7, 2015 08:12 PM
Einheri
Single Turbo RX-7's
14
Oct 7, 2015 12:23 PM
93FD510
New Member RX-7 Technical
2
Oct 1, 2015 02:00 PM
WyomingTII
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
12
Sep 28, 2015 10:32 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:03 PM.