1987 Mazda RX-7 Won't Start

1987 MAZDA RX7
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GILMANJA
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have an '87 mazda rx-7. It hasn't restarted after I turned it off with out letting the engine warm up ( I know bad move!). I took out the spark plugs and let the chamber air out, thinking it was just flooded. When I replaced them, it still wouldn't start. When I put the key in the car, everything seems to be working fine, nothing out of the ordinary except when I turn the key the rotars spin. There is no jolt or feeling of the car wanting to start. I smell gas so I don't think that it is the fuel filter (which has been replaced recently, {and put on the right direction, I might add!}) or fuel pump. This leads me to believe that it has something to do with the spark plugs or wires or ignition. The spark plugs seemed to be carboned up, and I'm pretty sure the wires are put on correctly. I'm just confused and I don't know where to start? Any suggstions would be greatly appreciated!- thanks
Jan 18, 2006 at 7:57 PM
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10FOTUCK
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  • 28 POSTS
check your coil wire and coil pack
Jan 19, 2006 at 3:14 AM
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COSMO
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 347 POSTS
Your gonna need to de-flood the enine...which means taking the plugs out, disable the ignition ( I think that it is a green fuse 'injection' in the engine compartment), spin the engine over in 10-20 spurts....about 10 times (let the starter cool down ever few times), put NEW plugs in it, make sure the battery is really really charged up. Then start cranking it with the fuse still out and then have someone put the fuse in while you are cranking it (2-3 secs after you start cranking). This might help your problem.

Then do an oil change.

Also, adding some oil to the chambers before cranking it with the plugs out will help clean the fuel out and add a little more compression.

All this will help, but don't be surprised if you have to repeat it a few times to get it started...ie it might try to start or start and stall because its so flooded.

Another issue is that you enigne compression might be getting low, so have a compression test done after you get it started and have driven it for a few days.

Cosmo..Mazda Tech
Jan 19, 2006 at 6:46 AM
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GILMANJA
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I appreciate the suggestions. I'll try it tomorrow! -Thanks!
Jan 20, 2006 at 1:32 PM
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Suggested Repair

De-flood the engine: remove the plugs, disable ignition by pulling the green injection fuse in the engine compartment, and crank in short bursts (about 10 times of 10-20 seconds, letting the starter cool). Install new plugs with a fully charged battery, then crank with the fuse out and have someone reinstall it 2-3 seconds after cranking starts. Change the oil; a little oil in the chambers before cranking with the plugs out can help clear fuel and improve compression. Repeat if it tries to start and stalls. After it runs and has been driven a few days, have a compression test done. Also check the coil wire and coil pack.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1987 Mazda RX-7 said it would not restart after being shut off before warming up. The engine cranks and smells of fuel, the fuel filter was recently replaced, and the plugs looked carboned, so the owner suspected ignition. One reply suggested checking the coil wire and coil pack. A Mazda tech recommended a de-flood procedure with the injection fuse removed, new plugs, a strong battery, an oil change, and possibly oil in the chambers, noting it may take several attempts, then a compression test after the car is running. The owner said they would try the suggestions.

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