1985 performance/running problem
 

Hi! I'll ty listing my request for help here, I hope it gets some attention in this forum.

1985 RX7 GSL-SE FI 13B

Car was stored for a bit, 15 months. [gas drained, battery disconneceted, fluids changed, etc... for storage]. I got it out to drive, prepped it and everything seemed fine. Gradually over a few weeks the car started losing power/sputtering above 5K RPM's. This problem persisted until it would not run well above 3K RPM's, however ran well under that range.

It wasn't until last weekend when I went to drive it that it would not start after sitting all week. I changed out the fuel filter, no help. I then installed new plugs, wires, cap/rotor, air filter, etc... for a good tune up, no help either. I got new accel coils, still no help although I did get it started after drying the fuel soaked spark plugs. It will start and idle but there's no response to throttle other than extreme sputtering with little RPM increase. This fouls the plugs due to fuel very quickly. I was thinking it was a fuel pump problem but it's getting fuel however I have not checked the flow rate.

I had a 1991 Jaguar that had these exact symptoms and after fooling around aimlessly with the ignition it turned out to be a bad fuel pump [in tank], which was a bear of a job and very costly just for the parts.

I guess the fuel flow rate could be low due to some junk in the tank? It was a progressive problem getting worse until it would no longer start. Exhaust was new last year, doubt there's a restriction there and there's good pressure out the tailpipe.

Any ideas? Also, is there only one fuel filter? Where is the electric fuel pump located?

THANKS!

have you tried checking the pressure regulator? unfortunately, i'm not overly familiar with the SE's, but that's just off the top of my head.

the pump and filter should be under a skidplate under the driver's side of the car - just ahead of the rear wheel.

EDIT: i just thought of something else. check your cats - particularly the main one.

Sputtering on throttle.... sounds like a bad Air-Flow Meter.... check that first (on the box that the air-filter goes into). Next, check the Throttle Position Sensor. To check the fuel flow/pressure, get a pressure gague and hook it to the output of the fuel pump. To flow-check it, see how fast it can fill-up a 1-gallon gas can. I don't have my 1st gen manual on hand, or else I'd tell you what to expect. I THINK (not certain so double check) you have to bridge a connector under the hood to turn the pump/injectors on. The connector should be yellow with a rubber boot on it somewhere on the passenger side of the car (again, double check this info is correct!!).

Hope this helps