blackangst

I have a 91 non turbo with (I beleive) a bad starter. Turn the key and CLICK! that's it. Power is good, and have cleaned the battery terminals. Tried push starting it, and when I let out the clutch it came to a grinding halt...it's like the rotors wont turn (carbon locked?). I dont beleive it's siezed because I ran cleaner through motor 10k miles ago (some stuff a rotory shop recommended), and only use better quality gasoline (Shell, Chevron, etc). It has ran flawlessly till now. Went to get a video, and then wouldnt start.

My question is this: does it sound like the starter? If so (embarrassed to ask) where the hell is it? I cant seem to find it. Is it accessable from under the hood or do I need to get to it from underneath? Thanks for the replies....

86FC RX-7

The starter if the smae place on a 86 is right next to the tranny. So your ganna have to lift it and go underneath the beast to get it.

blackangst

bump plz

RunningDeer

Yes, it sounds like the starter solenoid, but I have the same problem and had the starter checked and it's still clicking.

Here's how to identify the starter before going underneath. Stand at the driver's side shock tower, look slightly to the right of the oil filter and down. See the opening at the back firewall and the rear block? You should see a silver colored (looks like the space shuttle-piggyback style) object with wires attached in back... that's the starter. If you don't recognize it before going under, you sure won't after crawling under there.. take my word Hope it helps... when I get mine resolved, I'll report back in hopes it'll help someone else. Good Luck!

blackangst

well I think my 13B bit the dust. Walked 1/2 mile to my local parts store, bought jack stands, walked home...took starter out (didnt see any noticable damage), and walked it back. Starter is fine. Came home, re-installed it, and same thing. Turn the key and CLICK! (followed by about a 2 sec pause) then click-click-click-click-click-click etc. *sigh* I think if I hadnt of tried push starting it there may be hope of loosening up whatever is stuck. But I'm afraid I lodged it in worse. *sigh* guess its time to look for a new motor. Anyone know of a good rotary shop in Oklahoma City?

KNONFS

iTrader: (14)

If the engine is locked, then yes time for a rebuild (thtat might be a good thing if you have the time and resources)

RunningDeer

Glad you found the starter, but it maybe too soon to start looking for a new motor. There're too many other things to check first. Battery, alternator, electrical shorts, relays, ECU, battery cables, spark, ground wires, etc. Whatever your decision though, good luck

blackangst

Yeah, all those things are worth checking...IF the motor turned. But it's stuck. So no electronics are gonna make it turn I pulled the spark plugs and poured in some MMO so hopefully that will break loose whatever is holding it....

RunningDeer

Sorry to hear the bad news. It's good your trying another fix... hope it works for you

WoodlandsTex

Mine does the same thing and my neighbor told me it sounds like the bendix is stuck.(I'm pretty sure the bendix is in the starter). But i havent had a chance to check it out.

blackangst

Well, I took my starter out and got it checked at my local parts store...everything seems to be working fine....I've poured some MMO in the plug holes, so hopefully it'll break loose whatever is stuck. I'm doubtful though because I tried push starting it and the wheels were frozen...so whatever is in there is in there worse...

MaxRX7

not really

MaxRX7

yup, just turn the engine over manually as often as possible, put in new plugs when you're ready to start the engine and make sure the battery is fully charged so you get a good crank.