My 1988 GXL is currently in my garage. I don't drive it during winter, but I will start it once in every one or two weeks.

I started the car with no issues, but the rpm shot up to 2500 rpms. It was around 0 degree. I have searched for a bit, and I know the cold start will rev your car to 3000 rpm and then slowly decline when the car is warm. However, my car only shot up to 2500 rpm, is that normal?

When it is warmed up, it will idle at around 1000rpm

 

Don't sweat it..it's normal.
now if your engine shoots up to 6k and stays there,THEN you need to address it!

By the way,look at www.aaroncake.net and find proper storage techniques.
You will do more harm starting the car for 20 minutes and shutting it down in winter.It just produces a lot of condensation that can't go anywhere.
Fog the internals,fill the gas tank with fuel and stabilizer,disconnect the battery and wait until spring.

 

I have already done the above, except fog the internals.

How do I fog my internals? I will look at the aaroncake site tonight. I hope they have pictures..

 

I have a similar problem. When I start my '85 GSL SE and because it is not warm it wont idle and will die within a couple of seconds. It is in gear and I start it with the clutch in, foot on brake and I don't touch the gas pedal at all. Once I restart it, I have to press the gas a little bit and keep the revs up to around 1500 but once it reads a temperature on the gage, it will hold idle. Is this normal?

 

OP:You can always start the car with clutch in and the gear shifter in Nuetral.

Fogging refers to getting a can of Fogging oil (that is not FARKIN Oil .or.whatever..lol.!!)
Canadian Tire carries it in the additive section,where you find stuff like octane boost,trans sealer and products like that.
You take the spark plugs out and spray some in the holes,use a 19mm deep socket on the Bottom Main pulley and roll it over 180 degrees spray again .Put plugs in,roll a couple degrees and Leave it be.

 

I have visited Aaron's page. How To Store Your RX-7

I am not too sure about the roll it over 180 degrees part. Which 19mm bolt am I twisting to turn the 180 degrees? Is there any pictures ? I can take a couple shots of my engine bay tomorrow, may you can help me out.

Thank you

 

Ok..easier to do is just put a 17mm wrench on the power steering pulley...and that in turn will move the belt attached to the "crankshaft pulley"(known in Rotary terms as the Eccentric shaft).
You need to make the engine "roll over" so the engine internals get sprayed with LUBE( fogging oil).Take out the spark plugs and spray fogging oil,turn the engine over another 1/2 turn and spray again.Put plugs in and turn the engine over "just slightly"..that is IT.That should coat everything inside.
Now it is good until Spring.

IF you roll the engine over by the starter, it will obviously just spray any oil attempted to be put in back out.That is why you have to manually turn the engine over.

 

Thank you very much. I got it

 

My 88 convertible shoots up sometimes too on cold starts but it goes back once it warms up