Deverie Hunt

So I bought a car last night for $700. Never heard it run. It doesn't even have a battery. Here's what I know about it...
1985 Mazda RX7
79k miles
automatic
came from PA in 2010, and then it sat.

I think I should go slow. Do a full tune up, or at least an oil change before I even try to start it. I know nothing about these cars except it has a rotary engine. So I will definitely need your help.

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

Deverie,

First, congratulations on your 1st RX-7! Second, welcome to the forum.

Since the car sat for a very long time, it is recommended to change all the fluids - engine oil, coolant, trans fluid, rear diff oil, and brake fluid. Be on the lookout for water contamination in the engine block. Inspect the spark plugs for any issues. If you see corrosion on them it may be a bad sign that water (coolant) flooded the combustion chamber. One final thought about the plugs; there is a specific order to them. The top plugs are known as Trailing plugs and the bottom plugs are known as Leading plugs. The part numbers for these plugs are different and have different spark characteristics. You must also match each plug to the correct Ignition Coil. The sequence is easy to remember: L1 to L1, T1 to T1, L2 to L2, and T2 to T2. Where L1 = Leading Coil & Plug for the front of housing, L2 = Leading Coil & Plug for the rear of housing. The same is true for the trailing plugs and wires.

Is your FB a base model or another option such as GS, GSL, or GSL-SE? If not done so already, download a copy of the FSM (Factory Service Manual) and look over the general maintenance section.

Cheers,
George

Deverie Hunt

Thank you for the info. I think it said GS on the back. I only saw it for about 5 minutes. I was told it does run. There was someone who looked at it earlier in the day who brought a battery and started it. They said it sounds flooded. The seller was a long time friend of my mother. Her husband passed and left 25 cars. I bought the 2 cheapest. Does it sound like a good purchase?

Deverie Hunt

What mean is, is that a good year/ price?

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

Well, if it's flooded then right now it doesn't run. A rotary is unlike a piston engine; the engine will not vent off fuel when it floods. It must be actively de-flooded in order to start the engine. For example, I have a 91 'Vert that sat flooded for nearly 3yrs. Once I returned home (after 3yrs) and followed de-flooding procedures, the car started within 15min (and within 15min of my return home). My family was stunned because they thought the car was dead. The big concern for the flooded motor: is it fuel or coolant in the combustion chamber?

Based upon your description, it may sound like a good deal. The FB engine is a strong motor and should last a while. I recall my 84 GSL-SE had 135k and was still pulling strong. Since your FB won't start right now, the first thing I would do is: inspect/replace plugs, install new battery, check oil for contamination, check coolant level, and de-flood engine. You will certainly need a strong battery when performing the de-flood procedures. You can find de-flood procedures on the forum, just use the search function.

Cheers,
George

Jojo Slick

iTrader: (3)

I wish you the best with your new car! let me know how it turns out

Gen2n3

iTrader: (1)

Deverie,

Where in NY are you? How are your mechanical skills? Is there any maintenance items I mentioned that is out of your wheelhouse?

Cheers,
George

grantrx713b

A full tune up, plugs (NGK BR8EQ-14's)wire, cap, rotor, belts, hoses, vacuum lines, carb rebuild, air and fuel filters, inspect the tires and brakes, brake fluid and clutch fluid flush, coolant flush, drain and refill the differential etc. If the car has been sitting, expect to put some time and money into the car. Would love to see some pictures of the car!