I'm currently reassembling my 12a from my '83 rx7. I'm at the point where I need to install the gear on the eccentric shaft that drives the distributor. According to my Haynes manual, the gear should have "F" marked on the side of the gear facing the front of the engine, I can't seem to find this mark anywhere. Anyone have any other clues as to how to identify which direction the gear goes on?

 

hold the distibutor to it like it would sit normally and see if the threads engage? thats my 4 cents.

 

One side of the gear has a larger bevel (chamfer) on the inner edge. This side goes toward the engine.

 

Correct.. you will see where the chamfer needs to resign in relation to the other E shaft components

 

Thanks for your help guys! I don't know what I'd do without this forum

 

Easy way to tell, is on one side of the gear the keyway lines up with one of the teeth (tooth or valley, I forget, but it does line up with SOMETHING) That way sits forward.

On the back side, the keyway doesn't particularly line up with anything.