Ok I got 2 problems with my car, its a 1993 RX-7 Touring with 51,000 original miles and its 100% stock except for a Pettit AST.

First Problem

When I start up my car when its not warmed up it smokes a bit for 2-3 minutes and the champagne test came up good so there isnt a coolant leak. Im thinking maybe I have a blown primary turbo because when I drive the car lower RPMs are sluggish at best. But when I hit 4500rpm and the second turbo starts the car hauls *** the way it should. I've searched and I know the first turbo has to be at 8psi minimum for the second turbo to kick on but it just seems like the first turbo is doing nothing at all. Its a night and day difference between the turbos. Any one got any ideas on what it could be because if it was a leak or something the second turbo wouldnt come on right? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Second Problem

The car is getting 11-12 mpg with almost no aggressive driving at all. I shift the car every gear at 3000rpm and never push the pedal down to WOT. This is with mixed street and highway driving. I spent $45 on gas and got only 160 miles before it was on E again. Please help out. Also, I have no CEL so I'm thinking the O2 might still be fine and I havent checked my air filter yet. Going to do that now.

Thanks everyone for any good suggestions that you can offer.

 

Anyone got any suggestions?

 

First problem:

What color is the smoke? If its clear/light white, then its prob just condensation that built up in the exhaust as the car sits.

Ambient temps are exactly just warm yet. I started my car this morning after it sat for 3 days and it smoked for about 3-4 minutes. Then it cleared.

Second problem:

Have you changed plugs, fuel filter etc?

 

1st: Its just white thin smoke. Doesnt smell sweet or anything and isnt that much worse than a regular car smoking on a cold morning. After its warmed up it doesnt smoke at all anymore even when I rev it up.

2nd: I just did an oil change a few minutes ago, I'm doing spark plugs now and the oil filter. I got the fuel filter waiting but Im not feeling brave today, maybe next weekend and the air filter is pretty dirty but nothing out of the ordinary. I'll probably be swapping that out for a nice K&N drop in next weekend.

 

You shouldnt worry about the smoke then.

If you see thick white smoke, even after the car is fully warmed up or on a warm day and/or you see your coolant is disappearing, THEN start to worry.

As far as bad gas mileage. Theres alot of factors that can be part of that. Aside from a needed tuneup, o2 sensor, fuel filter. It could also be wrong tire pressure. People usually neglect checking that.

 

Can anyone help about my first turbo not doing much.

 

There's alot of people in Queens with RX-7. Check the NE section and see if someone could pass by and give you a hand.. Also there shops in Queens that are Rotary Specialist... Goodluck

 

Yeah I know they got people around here but I dont trust them. My neighborhood is the stolen car capital of Queens. This guy Taco that used to work at T&R has a shop only like 4 blocks away from me. Maybe I'll tell him to check it out.

 

Try this for boost troubleshooting, if you haven't already seen it:

http://www.fd3s.net/boost_problems.html

Dave