1990 Mazda RX7 No spark?

Tiny
GEORGEI
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 MAZDA RX7
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 68,000 MILES
I have a 1990 mazda that sat in the driveway for about 5 years. 5 years ago I was able to start it. Now, prior to starting it, I drained the gas tank and replaced with fresh gas, It didn't start. I checked the plugs and they appear to be fine. I connected an induction timing light to one of the plugs and as I crank it, it does not flash. Meaning I am not getting spark. I checked the fuses in the engine compartment and they are all good.
What else can I try or where can I take it for service in the San Jose, CA area?

Thank You,
George
Monday, May 26th, 2008 AT 1:43 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
JEFF1545
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
Try this out.
I had the same problem. The fuses may all be good. Take out the 40 amp fuse that is labled "eng inj" try turning the engine over a few times put the fuse back in and it should fire right up. You may need to do this a few times. Good luck
let me know how it goes
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Monday, May 26th, 2008 AT 8:17 PM
Tiny
GEORGEI
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for your suggestion Jeff,
I tried removing the 40 amp fuse several times, cranked it over, and replaced fuse. Still no spark. The RX-7 has 2x coils, 1 for the upper and 1 for the lower. I assume something fires these coils in some order. Is there a module that fires these? If so, perhaps that is what my problem is?

Thanks for your help.
George
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Tuesday, May 27th, 2008 AT 11:42 AM
Tiny
JEFF1545
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
Im not sure what else it could be. There are so many things. Check spark plug wires. Starter, when you try to turn it over does the cerpentine belt turn? If not then possible alternator problem. And hows the battery in the car? Check for 12 volts. You sound like you know enough, you may have already checked these things. But, if not check it out, it could be something that you could check and spend very little money, or take to a shop and spend hundreds.
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Tuesday, May 27th, 2008 AT 9:52 PM
Tiny
GEORGEI
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Jeff,
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm assuming the plug wires are ok, since I last ran it 5 years ago. But even if 1 or 2 of them are bad, it still should have tried to start. The battery needs to be replaced but when attempting to start it, I have it jumped with another running car along with a heavy duty 200 amp starter battery charger. It cranks very fast!
I found a Mazda rotary engine specialist in my area and met with him this afternoon. He seemed knowledgable when I asked him what fired the twin ignition coils, a sensor (I forget exactly what he said).
Anyways, I'm going to have the car towed there and hopefully he can diagnose it quickly without charging an arm & a leg?
I'll post the findings, so everyone can benefit from this experience.
Also I want to Thank YOU Jeff for being very helpful and volunteering your suggestions. I wish I could someone like you work on my RX-7 !

George
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Wednesday, May 28th, 2008 AT 3:28 AM

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