88 s4 rx7 gxl 189,000 miles (yeah I know, but it still runs good when it does run good)

alternator sucks, but i think it's something else since I've put a new battery in

-will not idle alone, makes about 50 horspower at 10 miles to the gallon
-misfires gallore or timing way off it seems like

I was flushing the coolant the other day, drove it to heat up the water, and flushed it again with radiator cleaner (still in the car).

After that, hard to start, drive like crap, tons of vibration

I put new plugs and wires in it, not much change (one of the plugs was cracked).

The only thing I can think of could do this is the computer suddenly crapped out or I acccidentally got something wet in the mix.


I've tested each plug and the all are firing decently so it must be timing, can anyone confirm this?

Thanks so much this site is a godsend

 

Does it sound like a lawnmower when it starts?

 

Compression test.

I almost overheated my Rexy a few years ago after a coolant change. Air pocket in the damn area near the coolant temp sender, and the thermostat didn't open because not enough coolant got to it to open it (I did go through air the bleeding procedure though).

I've heard I'm not the first, and this isn't limited to our cars.

 

Yeah pretty much always does, timing sucks

 

as stated above. a compression test will give you a good idea of where you're at. if you don't know how to perform a compression test on a rotary, please ask.