(As a warning, I have limited technical automotive knowledge.) I have a 1980 RX-7 automatic, and have been trying to diagnose intermittent problems in starting the car. Battery is 11 months old, it could be the starter... but...

I have just discovered that when the ignition is in the ON position, there is a gentle whirring sound, almost like a fan or fuel pump. Is this normal, and I simply never have the ignition in this position and therefore have never heard it before? Or is there a problem?

Any good independent RX-7 mechanics in Montreal???

Thank you.

Regards,
Joel Newman

 

That would be the fuel pump.

It may be wearing a little, causing the noise. Best to pay attention to it and if the noise increases (or stops!) then replace the pump.

 

Thank you Aaron for your super fast response. Yes, it does sound like a pump.