Engine wont turn over and it isn't starter
 

Hello,

I have a 1981 RX7. I recently bought it used and it ran fine. A week ago, the engine overheated and shut down. I could not get it to start again. I have checked the battery terminals, the leads to the starter, heck, i even replaced the starter. The engine turns over fine if i try to push start it but i have never quite gotten it to start. Just turning the key results in a loud "clunk", the lights are fine and all instruments are great, heck, even the radio is going. I have made sure all the fluids are fine (they are). I am really running out of Ideas here. Can anyone help me?

Alternator, maybe?

you've gotten it to start by push starting it?

what do you mean by "overheated and shut down"? that it was overheated so badly that it died/stopped running? compression test? smoke from exhaust when cranking?? need more info on symptoms

Okay, after a few tests i have determined that it may be the Main Bearing.

Went out today to see if we could get it to start by pushing it and popping the clutch. The engine seizes and then revs a little and seizes again. There is no smoke and no leaks. Sometimes we can even use the starter but we get the same results, it will rev a few and freeze up.


The alternator is fine.



And yes, that is what I meant which is the leading factor in having me believe i fried my main bearing.

I just love living in sunny Arizona!


Is there any thing else that would have the same symptoms as i have described or do i have it nailed?

Take the spark plugs out and try to move the engine by hand. It should turn fairly freely. Does it?

sounds like you cooked it!

if it turned freely but did'nt start i would say pour a tiny bit of atf down the intake to help mher build up compression and start . that helps with stuck side seal springs but it sounds like you fried the main beariong or your plates warped