NCross

iTrader: (18)

The previous owner has stripped all of the emissions and vacuum lines off of the car. I am being told that one big reason why the car isn't running quite right under load is due to the absent vacuum system. I'm mainly concerned with the timing pots on the distributor. They're just sitting there with wires not plugged in and no vacuum lines. The problem is that the car wants to break up under load and the throttle response hesitates and does not accelerate as quickly as it should.



First question...

Where can I connect the unplugged vacuum lines on the timing pots on the distributor? I'm having a hunch I can remove the 2 screw-plugged holes in the RB intake manifold (right above where it says RB) and find a vacuum nipple fitting for them ( they are threaded). Would that be a good idea, and should it fix the problem?






Second question...

I have 2 distributors from the later FB models. Is this distributor compatible and would there be any benefit over the SA unit? It looks like they have more plugs than the SA unit.



Third question...

Is this how this piece is supposed to be connected? It's just dangling loose. It has the two yellow plugs and then a wire being grounded to the chasis and that is it.



Fourth question...

What would cause the tach to stop working? It cuts on and off here and there but mostly off.

Should these be connected to something?



Thanks for any help.

wecycle

Looks like you have a points type distributor from a 78-80 RX7. There are several threads relating to upgrading to the electronic distributor shown in your third picture. This would be a worthwhile effort. You may also have part time trailing ignition which could be eliminated with the electronic conversion. Fill us in on exactly what year and model you have and others may have more guidance.
HTH

Your plan to reconnect the vacuum advance is also right on target.

NCross

iTrader: (18)

Car is a 79 built in 78.

Any clues on question 3?

Update...

After taking the distributor out to inspect it the car won't fire right. Is this thing that picky on how it's aligned? It's like it tries to start and then gets a huge bog. It is puffing out some smoke from the exhaust so i'm guessing it's getting good fuel and some spark. I guess I should test that the plugs are all firing.

Rx-7Doctor

iTrader: (13)

You need to put it back in per the procedure as stated in the FSM. If you have not downloaded a copy then you can see it via the link in my signature.

NCross

iTrader: (18)

When you look at the distributor removed there are 2 grooves on the bottom gear opposite of each other. Does it matter which one you use to match up to the raised groove on the silver "shaft"? The FSM says match it up to the protrusion, but there are 2 grooves on the gear.

What should the arrow under the distributor cap be pointing at?

1979rx-7

iTrader: (1)

To answer your third ? this car was a total mess when I got it . Those are the condensers for the ignition the ones unplugged between the dist. and alt. are the original ones the owner before me did all that handy work and I never got around to fixing it . all you need to do is remove the original's and put those in there place and then you can get rid of the chassis ground wire running to them currently . I never hooked the vacuum advance back up because the car was supposed to be turbo

NCross

iTrader: (18)

That's what I was thinking about for the yellow wires. I figured they had to be broken. I fixed the vac advance by tapping into the threaded holes on the UIM.

NCross

iTrader: (18)

Ok, I figured it all out. The CAS was installed a couple teeth off. I charged the battery to full overnight, installed the distributor TDC, and changed the plugs and BAM fired right up. I tuned it pretty decent and drove it around the neighborhood a few times and then it ran out of gas at the house while idling... Oh well at least I got it to start.

The vacuum advance makes a HUGE difference. Much more bottom end power and doesn't break up as much up top. Now I just need to get a fuel pressure gauge and fine tune it.