I have a 1988 RX7 conv with 170000km on it. It always starts but the last couple of years it turns over several times before catching...enough to make me worry about flooding which has happened a couple of times. Garages in our small town have limited expertise on these models and the closest Mazda dealer doesn't seem too interested. Any suggestions as to what I could have a mechanic look at?
Plugs were changed about 3 years or 15000km ago.
Other possible hints...it's lost considerable power over the years, it has stalled a couple of times while changing gears and decelerating to turn ( but starts again when clutch is engaged) Thanks
p.s. I have no idea why it says "exhaust leak" under my name

 

First I'd do a complete tune up (plugs, spark plug wires, fuel filter and such) you might be able to find something simple that is causing your problems. Test the voltage at the fuel pump, make sure that its getting good power.

If the above doesn't help then it sounds like the motor is loosing compression. Search for the seafoam trick and see if that brings some of its life back for awhile. I'd start saving up for a rebuild now so by the time the motor goes you can do it right. Not saying that it will go soon but sounds like its had a good run.

Aslo you can search on how to do a compression check with a modified compression guage (or just take it to the mazda dealership and have them check it). That way you know where you stand as far has how weak your motor is.

Hope that helped

P.S.
The "exhaust leak" refers to how many posts you have on the forum. Your post count goes up and once it gets to a certain point you can change what it says...

 

check your CAS.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try the Seafoam first but I drive the car so little that it will be at least a month before I'm down to an 1/8th of a tank of gas.

 

Easy fix... Get a big bucket that will hold the extra gasoline and sit it under the gas tank. There's a 14mm drain bolt on the passenger side. Simply pour it into a gas jug afterwords for later use. Easy breezy.