Hi I'm new here. My daughter bought an 86 RX-7 and I'm having troubles getting it to run and stay running. When she bought it, it needed an exhaust system. After searching around we found one and installed it. It wouldn't start after this. Someone told me to put oil in the plugs because it was sitting to long. I can get it started after putting in the oil but it runs rough and won't idle. I have put in new plugs and new wires as well as a new battery. The last time it was running the catalilic convert turned red hot. Do the 86's have to run with all three cats or can it run with just the main one? If anyone has some suggestions I would appreciate the help.

 

my suggestion to you is,
check fuel filter
if it dont run right then,
check fuel pump

if either of those dont work, huge list of things to look at.

 

The engine is getting lots of fuel.

 

Hmmm, where to start. Could be numerous things... have you had a compression test performed on your car yet? Do the Mazda test. The RX-7 is notorious for idle problems... what does yours do after it starts? Does it rev to 3k and work itself down to about 1k in about 17 seconds? It should ultimatly settle around 750 rpm while at operating temp and no accessories running. Is it flooding? You said it's getting plenty of fuel. There's plenty of threads on the forum to unflood your car if that's the case. Also, how'd you check the pump/filter? Use the Factory service manual to perform these tests. I'd also check all the air lines and air box for leaks, dirty filter, obstructions, etc. Have you actually driven the car or are you just idling it? How does it run once moving? Catalytic conv can clog or break internally causing a huge restriction in your exhaust. I don't really know where to start.

J