I have a 1979 that recently went through an engine rebuild and now it wont idle. I had it done locally at a shop and they said it was because of the carburetor so it was towed to a carb shop. they said they could not fix the idle issue because it wasnt carb related. the car is completely stock. It does not idle at all as long as you keep on the gas the car stays on take your foot off the gas and it dies. the mechanic has already checked the fuel filter, timing, tuned the carb, new gas. the engine has not been broken in yet it has a fresh rebuild. initially it had 180000. it doesnt have any mileage on the rebuild. the car will not hold idle even above 2500

 

If carb is ok, i would reinstall the distributor and go from there. If aint fuel, its timing/spark related. Also check the plugs if they are wet

 

agreed...timing is always overlooked. Re-stab the dizzy.

 

Definitely will have mechanic reattempt tomorrow. thanks for the suggestions will get back with results asap. The mechanic has had the vehicle since feb and two days ago flat out told me i dont know whats wrong and any advice you can get ill try. so frustrating

 

Since Feburary? Don't know what you're paying for all this, but it sounds like too much. It's been said many times here before, your either mechanically inclined or indepently wealthy to own an classic car. I'd bet the problem is something fairly simple, good luck.

 

So the mechanic reinstalled the dizzy and rechecked timing but still nothing. -__-

 

@banzai trust me I'm not wealthy thats why im stuck in the position of not moving my vehicle to another mechanic I couldnt afford. Hella sucks being in this position. For all I know it probably is something fairly simple. If there are any San Diego locals I'd be willing to pay for help.

 

The point of my post is that normally for most of us, it's better to do it ourselves. If your not mechanically inclined, its best to take some steps and learn. Like eating an elephant, you learn one bite at a time. Finding another person who cares as much as you about your ride is about impossibile. Not even a lot of guys left that have a lot of experience with our rotarys. Paying a mechanic usually turns out disapointing or even bad and you can shell out a tidy sum along the way. Hence the comment: mechanically inclined or indepently wealthy.

All mechanical things need maintenance to remain servicable and the older they get the more things go wrong.

 

Have you done a compression test? When you say it wont idle, does it run a high RPM? If so what is the lowest RPM it will run at?

 

Sorry I've been busy on business out of town. Yes a compression test has been done. Compression checks out. It wont idle at any rpm the car literally starts as you tap the gas and as soon as you stop tapping it turns off as if no fuel is being distributed.

 

You say it is a fresh rebuild... Check engine end play! If the thrust bearings are pinched it will do this. That is option #1.

We're the housings and metal seals replaced? If the above checks out it may just need to run.