I am hesitant to do anything that might leave residue in the chambers and lead to sticking seals. There is a tech page out on the web that has a cure for a flooded Rx7, and it includes pouring an ounce of ATF into either the intake or directly through the lower spark plug holes.

With all the discussion on synthetic oils causing sticky seals, I wonder if it is at all risky to put ATF in there?

In my case, I have a car that has sat for over a year, and I've replaced the gas with fresh, etc. But before I try to start it I want to pull out the plugs and rotate it by hand a few times - so what is the best thing to put in the chambers (and I'll put in as little as needed) as pre-lube to ensure a safe start-up?

 

ATF works well because it has tons of detergents that help REMOVE deposits.

 

ATF is sweet, just not in transmissions
~Tom

 

Good point about the high detergent nature of ATF, but automatics don't subject the fluid to combustion.

It surprised me when I discovered that the cold - start system uses antifreeze.

 

Apart from the extra lube that is definitely the right thing to do, the reason that oil is placed in the combustion chamber is to boost the sealing ability of side/corner and apex seals, I dont believe you will suffer from any bad effect of synthetic oil residue making your seals stick as by the time your rotor chambers get to the temp needed for this all of the fluid should be out your pipes.The lower viscosity of ATF could also help to get into places that normal oil wont go,although I'm not sure. If you are going to let the engine sit for a while perhaps it may be a good idea to check the effect of ATF on rubber "O" rings. could be scary!
Regards- Anthony.