First: I love this forum, it's an unbelievable resource.

My 3rd gen rx7 has not started in 2 years. I need to start it to get it to Garland TX. I am changing the battery and plugs. Every one of the plugs is black black, with no build up. ?what does this indicate? Also, I was surprised that the plugs were not very tight at all. 2 of them I almost could hand untighten (I'm not very strong!). Could that be the problem? How much should I tighten the new plugs? Thanks in advance, Peter

 

get new plugs, gas, and battery. if the battery will hold charge you wont need a new one

 

Well, it started right up (I bought the battry yesterday). I think all this time it didn't start b/c the plugs were loose (had taken it to the dealer for a tune up!).

Now, it is somewhat rough as you accelerate under load...and it near dies when at idle.

I was wondering if I should change the fuel out and the filter? Also, what do the black black plugs indicate?

 

The black plugs are pretty common.

I would drain the tank of that fuel, but if there isn't much I'd just top off with good stuff. Don't beat on the car.

When was the fuel filter last changed? It can't hurt after this long.

 

Thanks! Will a fuel filter from the local autoparts store be OK, or should I go to the dealer (in the next town over)? Peter

 

You need to order a new stock one from Mazda or Ray Crowe at Malloy!

 

Unless you really need the filter right now, I'd do 2 things:

1. Run the car gently on the old filter until all the old gas is used up/replaced, so you don't foul the new filter with crud that's in the tank with the old gas.
2. Get it from Ray Crowe at Malloy Mazda (888-533-3400). He knows what you need, his prices are great, and ships quick.

Dave

 

Thanks DaveW and dgeesman, I feel better about doing some things by myself already. Next question...

Can you list out a few things (maybe that are not too difficult) that you would do if your rx7 was running rough? I mean, what are the basic things that need to be "ruled out."

Thanks in advance guys

 

Finally got my car into Rotary Performance. Chris (very good rotary technician) has already called me! He said that I probably need a new alternator and air pump. He also already did a compression test and said numbers between 8.67 and 8.71.... I was wondering what others thought of those numbers. He was very encouraging and said that it would probably be a good car to rejuvenate and get it back on the road.

Thanks in advance! Peter

 

Those are very good compression numbers, and your FD is in very good hands with Chris and Ari