I recently purchased an rx7 that has been sitting behind a barn for the last 3 or so years. After completely draining the gas tank, replacing the fuel filter, and changing the oil, I went to attempt to start her up with new gas in the tank and...she won't fire up.

Now i've been playing around a little bit with the fuel lines and noticed that the pump doesn't kick on unless the car is cranking, no whirring sound from the pump with the key just at the on position. The car will start on starter fluid just fine, but once the fluid burns off it shuts right down.

Any suggestions on what it could be? I'm at a loss. Any help now would be much appreciated, and if any more information is needed I can provide it.

 

The fuel pump will engage when the key is to start and will only pump with the key to on if the car is already running or the fuel check connector has been jumpered.

 

Alright, thankyou for clearing that up. It's still not getting enough pressure to build past the fuel filter even while cranking.

 

Perhaps a new fuel filter will help. If you disconnected the hose feeding to the filter from the fuel pump and measured the fuel pressure and compare the reading to spec it might tell you where the problem is.

EDIT: Spec is 64 to 85 lbs. before filter and about 30 lbs. after the filter.

 

Fuel filter was replaced already. First thing I did prior to even attempting to start the car. I was afraid that any of the fuel left in the car over the 3 years would gum it up, so I just replaced it. I'll go ahead and check the pressure when I can, and see if it's just the pump not putting out enough.

Now another question, on the 2 outlets from the fuel pump, are both of them supposed to be sending fuel? As I said, I am unfamiliar with this and trying to learn.

 

One line sends fuel to the engine while the other is the return line to the fuel tank.

 

Thankyou for being patient with me. I'll go ahead and see what I can't figure out.

 

Well, after playing with the wires, the pump is now working as intended, the car fired right up. A little smokey at first, but since it hasn't ran in over 3 years I kind of expected it. Thankyou for your help kind sir.