After a year of sitting, I got my '79 running decent. Only problem is as soon as the car starts, the tach jumps to 6k and stays there (not the engine, just the tach). When I rev the engine, it will move up from 6k to 7k a little. What's going on? I'm not used to such an ancient ignition system (points, etc...), so i'm not even sure where to start.


Thanks,
Matt

 

Its the stupid voltage regulator thats external. Just cut your stock alt plug and buy an alt with internal regulator. Really simple. Theres 1 wire to plug in and thats it.

 

... or you could just replace the voltage regulator. Most of the time they won't have the right number of wires. From what I know, Autozone or Advance are more likely to have the right number of wires than from a Mazda dealership. Either way, it should be cheaper than buying a new/used alternator.

 

Would my spare alternator from my '83 fit in somehow? How would I adapt this to the older system?

Matt

 

:bump:

 

My Tack just stopped working all together. It use to kick on and off but now the only time it works is when its reasding volts when im starting it. You should also change your points ignition to a 85 electronic ignition. cheap and easy, works good.