1986 Mazda RX7 Starting Engine

RON ANTHONY

MEMBER
1986 MAZDA RX7

Engine Mechanical problem
1986 Mazda RX7 Two Wheel Drive Manual 90000 miles

I am in the process of restoring my 1986 Mazda RX7. It sat unstarted since 2001. At that time the engine started and ran well. When I began my project a few weeks ago I tried to start the engine. It fired and ran for approximately 5 seconds. I repeated the attempts, each time getting it to run for that limited time.
I have since replaced the fuel filter, air filter, spark plug wires, and attempted to replace the spark plugs(need help there too). But it still only runs for a few seconds. Where do I go from here?

PS: I have some other questions too.
PPS: This RX7 is NON-TURBO

5 Replies

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

Ok so tell me when it dies do you loose spark or fuel? I need this info to further help. Thanks.

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Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 AT 9:10 AM

RON ANTHONY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I can't tell whether its losing spark or fuel. All I can say is that it starts every time no matter how soon I try a re-start. It runs fine for a few seconds then dies to nothing. Its possible its a fuel problem, but it doesn't sputter, RPM's just drop to nothing. Also, if I try to re-start it again, it always starts again. Even if I try right away.
Thanks,
Ron Anthony

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Friday, October 9th, 2009 AT 12:36 PM

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

Well I would say that it it loosing spark in the way you discribe it dieing. So what help do you need with the spark plugs? I will look over the wiring diagram and see if anything makes sense get back to me and we will go from there.

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Saturday, October 10th, 2009 AT 8:44 AM

RON ANTHONY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I may have found the problem. When I started this project, the car had sat since 2001. I had to replace the spark plug wires because three of the four wires were broken off at the spark plugs, so I couldn't really see which wires went to which plugs. Its possible I got them mixed up.
Also, Since I last communicated with you, I installed new plugs according to the Haynes manual for this car.
Could you just confirm that the Leading plugs go in the lower spark plug holes (as per Haynes). And also which wire goes to which plug?
Thanks,
Ron Anthony

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Monday, October 12th, 2009 AT 12:00 PM

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

Ok here is the deal there is two coils the leading and trailing. The leading coils have two wires to the primary side and the trailing has 7 wires to the primary side. The firing order is set by the computer by the crank sensor. Here is a pic of where the leading and trailing plugs are on the engine.