1990, 1.6, gt2560r, MSII, 11psi. driven responsibly on street regularly with no issues. at the track, got 6-7 laps out of it before the water/oil temps started climbing so did 2 cool down laps and then parked it while idling/heater cranked. got back in after 5 minutes or so and after 2 laps engine shut down. coasted out through pit exit and that was it. cranks, no start. towed it back home and this morning it cranked, started for 1 second and died again. will tow to shop tomorrow.

I don't hear the fuel pump humming with ignition on. can a mortally wounded fuel pump gather enough energy for a one second idle per day?

and yes, I will be upgrading the rad and doing ducting.

 

Fuel? Spark?

 

There's an easy way to find out. Unplug a fuel line and have a friend crank. Watch out for spraying fuel in case the pump is still good.

 

fuel pump.

Fuel pump in my OTM died, it would start, idle like crap for half a second, then die. If I waited 15 minutes, I could get another half second out of it.

 

Also seen plugged fuel tank vents and pickups do this.

 

busted crank sensor? it happened to me, easy check. car would start run for a couple seconds and die.

 

no word from shop till tomorrow.

 

Gah why are you bringing a turbo'd miata to a shop?!? Would not trust...

You could also check the crank pulley, they like to slip/break/snap/loosen.

 

sloppy wiring by P.O underdash. F.P wasn't getting power due to short. all good.

 

Glad your resolution was simpler than mine.

Not hearing the fuel pump is a "clue." Apparently the shop you used is not clueless.

 

they seem very competent. no ^%#-up's so far.
of course, now that I've cut out an extractor vent, the clutch started slipping.