My New (old) rx7

[marked]

I made the cable, and connected it all up but either the starter doesn't work, or I did something wrong... doesn't make any sound or attempt to turn over at all.

The ring terminal had a wire coming off it so I just connected up to that with my new wire, but it was old and a bit freyed so maybe I need to replace the entire thing. That will be my next port of call unless anyone else has any other test suggestions?

Cheers

Allow for a few practice attempts on this size cable first. This will mean buying more lugs as they're only one shot items.
You're working on a low voltage system on a car (12V DC), but usually much higher currents than say within a PC. Consequently the crimp lug has to be squidged up really tight and neat, otherwise the connection will burn out.

If you've got blue lugs it sounds like they're pre-insulated, which is OK. The crimp tool sqidges the blue insulation as well, just not as tight as the copper tube part.
Make sure you're using flexible cable, not stranded (flex is many fine wires which will 'yeh - flex' rather than stranded i.e coarse wires, which will fracture).

You don't mention the ring terminal? are you able to reuse this bit?

Codge.

[codge]

It could be anything, even a simple thing like you've crimped the insulation on a lug without getting the wire properly in place. Or a faulty component.

I don't mean to be a put down but I don't think you have the skills to go much further mate. Next step is a meter or test gear.
Even a simple thing like a test lamp at the starter terminal will tell you so much more.

So I have to say that an auto electrician is your best bet.

codge

[marked]

It could be anything, even a simple thing like you've crimped the insulation on a lug without getting the wire properly in place. Or a faulty component.

I don't mean to be a put down but I don't think you have the skills to go much further mate. Next step is a meter or test gear.
Even a simple thing like a test lamp at the starter terminal will tell you so much more.

So I have to say that an auto electrician is your best bet.

codge

No offence taken, I said at the outset I have no idea what I'm doing, but that was part of the journey!

I'm gunna test this cable with the test lamp where it comes in to my "new" cable, then if that's ok test the other end.. then replace if necessary.

If I fail and send it off, I think it's best going to a rotary specialist as even if they get the starter sorted the engine itself could still be dead... If that's the case and I'm gunna spend the ££ getting it sorted it may aswell go there straight away.

Anyone got any recommendations? closest as possible to SE London please

[ian65]

I think you're over-complicating this .... it's a simple five minute job.... surely there's someone in London who can pop over and wire this up for you..... anyone?????

[marked]

So... It's been a long time coming, but i've finally got around to trying to get this 7 going again. I had an auto electrician come round and wire up the replacement start correctly, so thats all on now but sadly it seems the same when trying to start.

I've also replaced the spark plugs incase it was that, I'm thinkin now maybe it's not getting fuel? I tried to pour a little in the carb but it didn't seem to make a difference.

I recorded the sound it's making when trying to start, not sure if it will help but maybe someone could let me know what they think it might be? Is it time to get it on a truck to a specialist?

https://youtu.be/MR7ghrS7_aE

[A7RXY]

Try getting someone to spay easy start into the carb to see if that kick starts it.

Dibs

[DKWW2000]

Hi Mark.

Just read the thread from start, well done for taking on such a project, there is a great book for such a project called "The AA Book of the Car" see link below:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AA-Book-of-th ... 19fe295327

I was given a copy about 40 years ago. It covers all the basics of car mechanics (pre electronics) which I think you would find invaluable when restoring your 7 as it is in plain language which is easy to understand with plenty of diagrams, covering basic wiring & all major components showing how they work,

regards Pete

[marked]

Try getting someone to spay easy start into the carb to see if that kick starts it.

Dibs

I've tried some easy start in the carb aswell, doesn't seem to make any difference..

[marked]

Hi Mark.

Just read the thread from start, well done for taking on such a project, there is a great book for such a project called "The AA Book of the Car" see link below:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AA-Book-of-th ... 19fe295327

I was given a copy about 40 years ago. It covers all the basics of car mechanics (pre electronics) which I think you would find invaluable when restoring your 7 as it is in plain language which is easy to understand with plenty of diagrams, covering basic wiring & all major components showing how they work,

regards Pete

Thanks for the tip - which is the best year to get it for the most accurate information in relation to the rx7? I can see a 1976 version on amazon for a couple of £.. http://www.amazon.co.uk/AA-Book-of-the- ... of+the+car

[DKWW2000]

I would go for the one on Amazon as it is cheaper, must be much the same & covers the technology used on the cars era, (not the rotary engine get a Haynes manual for that) Brakes, Clutch, Starter Motor etc etc.
I think the Ebay copy is expensive so I was expecting about £5 from a boot sale
regards Pete