Mechanic
 

Looking for an independent mechanic for my stock GSL SE 85, in Cols Ohio area?

what do you need done to it? Most shops hear the word "rotary" or "RX-7" and won't even touch them. I had numerous places refuse to even look into ordering hard-to-find stock parts (including the "Japanese auto specialist" in Ann Arbor, MI) and they all heard "RX-7" and said "we don't deal with them." What help do you need?

Try posting your problem and see what the guys say? You may be able to fix it yourself with some help. Just my 2 cents.

agreed. These are very simple cars to work on. Get advice and dive in head first. I promise, the water is deeper than it looks.

Thanks all, I have listed a few of the problems on my 85 GSL-SE and tried doing most of the suggestions, but I'm still not getting positive results. Rough idle, and back fire on down shifting and between shifts. Just thought someone who works on these more often maybe able to resolve the issues. Car looks like it belongs on a showroom floor, would like it to run like one. Don't get me wrong you all have helped me solve many other questions, these few issues have me stumped and frustrated.
Steve

Steve,

It sounds to me like you have an intake or vacuum leak somewhere. There is a bullet-proof way to find out if you have a leak: Get yourself a propane torch, you know the ones that are about 12-14 inches in height. Start you car, and then open up the valve on the torch to let out the propane (of course, do not light it). Go around the entire engine with the propane. If you have any leak at all, the engine will change in rpm's. For the hard-to-get places, you may be able to use a long hose with the torch. If you don't want to try this method, you could get a can of WD-40 and spray everywhere, but I think the propane method is better. If you find that you have no intake or vac leaks anywhere, let us know, and we'll try something else.

Mike

Thanks Mike I'll give it a shot. Idle seems to smooth out more when it's warm. Should I let the car warm up first?

Yeah, I would let it warm up and come off of fast idle, so that it is easier to identify when the engine stumbles. Keep in mind that it is somewhat normal for the engine to sound a bit rough when it is on fast idle/warm up. Let me know when you do the propane test.

Mike

RX-7 Store and Defined Autoworks both specialize in RX-7s and are in Columbus.