So I go to start my car today and it turns over but does nothing(doesn't even act like it wants to start). so I assumed it was flooded but after trying the unflood method like 4 times it's the same everytime.
Its acting like it's not getting fuel but i took off one of the fuel lines and turned it over for a second and there is fuel pressure(don't know how much). So then i tried starting it with starting fluid. No difference. So i took out the spark plugs(and cleaned them) and turned it over trying to make sure it wasn't flooded. Still acts the exact same. The battery seems just fine still putting out plenty of cranking power even after trying to start it like over a dozen times so i'm pretty sure that's not it. I'm stumped I don't know what to do. It might just be major flooded but then why wouldn't it start the first time? It was running like a champ yesterday and started no problem everytime. Any advice would be gratly apprieciated. Thx

P.S I tried using the search function to find some answers but i think it's down or somthin cuz i couldn't find anything.

 

I just pulled the bottom plugs to do a poor mans compression test and it seemed just fine. a decent amount of smoke and stuff came out so think it might just be severly flooded. But why would it flood so bad all of the sudden(if that's even what it is)? could it be blown rotors?

 

try pull starting it if the conventional unflood procedure doesnt work.

 

most rotarys run rich I heard it has to do with the high rpms. Ummm yeah pull the egi fuse and the spark plug wires and crank it for about about 10 sec or more and plug everything back up and see what happens.

 

I'm going to try that today. I also want to try to do a pull start as well. One thing i forgot to mention is that it sounds alot different when turning over then it used too. I'm not sure what or why it does.

 

How does it sound differently? Does it sound like it's spinning faster, or like it's missing?

Play the sound file located at http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/blown.htm . Does it sound like that?

If it just sounds like it's cranking faster, then it's very flooded. You'll need to pull both leading plugs, put an ounce or two of oil into each chamber then try to restart the car. The oil will build up compression.

 

Will i removed the leading plugs and checked the compression with my fingers and the front rotor is hardly doing anything at all. the back rotor seems just fine. I have a feeling that it's "blown". Seems kinda odd that it would give so sudden though cuz it was running like a champ just yesterday.

Any advice on where to take the engine too if it turns out it does need a rebuild? I live in Washington if thats any help. Also I would like the rebuild to last like 100K miles or more. thx for the help.

 

it seems like there is alot more compression in the front rotor when the rear rotor has both plugs in. why would that be?

 

any ideas anyone?

it has.
Spark
Fuel
Crank
Compression is iffy on the front rotor. its fine except when the rear leading plug is out then its doing nothing. Well atleast that's what it seemed last time i tested it.

Also what should i use to get the oil through the spark plug holes?

 

Funnel with a tube, turkey baster, etc.

If the car is flooded you will get odd compression readings.

 

Just tried putting some oil in the leading plugs and had no luck it did the same exact thing. It turns over but that's all and it has a way different sound when turning over i'm not sure how to explain it. It's alot more whiny and higher sounding. I'm totally lost i don't know what else to do. Could it be the starter is not turning it over fast enough?

 

did you try pull starting it yet? MAJORLY flooded engines will not start just deflooding them. from my experience anyway.

 

I tried pull startin it like an hour ago and it was closer to starting then normal. it actually put out some smoke and acted like it was close to starting. my problem was i was only able to go like 7 mph before i reached the bottom of the hill.

 

id say you probably need to go more like 20ish with someone else pulling you in another truck/car

 

also search on how to wire in a fuel pump switch. if the engine is blown, then you can still get it started with some tricky fuel pump switching. ask me how i know

 

mine has flooded 2-3 times and was fixed by unplugging the fuel pump and starting it. let it die. crank it a couple more times for a few seconds. plug back in. start!

whats the point of unplugging the EGI fuse anyway? just unplug the pump wire in the trunk.

remove the spark plugs and let it sit overnight to evaporate a bit. if you let it sit out in the sun with the plugs pulled it will evaporate faster.

 

you could also unplug the yellow connector under the dash on the drivers side. i think it is the only BRIGHT yellow connector under there.

 

yep and you dont even have to get out and look like an ***.....

 

Don't pull start as it's unsafe. Always push start instead.

It sounds like the engine has lost compression.

 

Thats what i'm thinking too. I'm going to have it towed to a dealer to make sure though. My insurance will pay for the tow so it's all good.

 

itd be cheaper to go buy a 30$ tester and do it yourself!!! it is not hard at all.if you can change spark plugs you can do compression tests. it will be an easy 70-100$ at the dealership

 

Saddly it's to late now. What brand tester would you guys reccomend? I wouldn't mind picking one up for later use.

 

the ones at autoparts store get the job done.make sure it is one that you can release the air with a button. you need to hold that button down when testing (so it doesnt hold max psi).

 

Well turns out it was a mixture of things, bad battery and a flooded engine. They said it had great compression and that the engine is in really good shape. They also adjusted my TPS and my idle. So I replaced the battery and it's starting and running like a champ again. Now all i have to do is replace the master cylinder, water pump, some belts, and change the axle fluid. Then it's on to the paint and stereo.

Thx for help guys.