Hello- Been messing with my 1983 12a , cuz it just doesn't have the power it use to. the car starts and idles fine at 850rpm.s, has the ability to run up 85mph+(65MPH@3500RPM'S)although kinda slow getting there, i've been through the ignition, fuel system and just now did a compression test, absolutely no pulses on front rotor, is this possible ?- aloha buff

 

When I blew a rotor I couldn't get past about 60 mph. It probably depends on how extensive the damage is and other factors.

Also the car would barely idle; are you sure you have zero compression?

 

Yeah, pretty sure, couldn't get a pressure reading, so i removed tester and used my thumb to cover sparkplug hole and barely felt any pressure build up-

 

I got mine going about 85 with 3 blown apex seals on the front rotor.... down hill... flooring it.
It was a very long steep hill. It was follow by a long steep hill.. going up. I went from 85 to about 25 by the end hoping I'd make it.

 

Sounds like you certainly have apex seal problems. the two options are rebuild or buy a good secondhand motor.

 

I barely got to 35 when mine was bad. I lost the front rotor, and had about 60,55,62 in the rear rotor... Man and did it eat some gas!

 

yeah ... i was thinking the same thing. i don't think it should idle smooth at all, much less at 850 RPM. maybe try ATF or MMO on the motor. for the power loss, see if your secondaries are opening ...

 

mine made 60mph for 45 minutes to make it home from austin when the seals went. still have gotten around to checkin front or rear because its now a parts car anyways

 

Are you checking the compression with the starter cranking the engine?

 

when my friend blew his 79...gsl-se swaped car i drove it home and he followed me in my 83 l.e. when we stoped he was likem **** you hit 85... hell yea i wanted momentum if it went totaly out

 

Project 84- yes, starter engine cranking, front and rear trailing plugs out (why?)---- P-28, i'm just using a piston tester, but i was getting 3 pulses approximately in the same range as your rear rotor.---Diabolical- yeah, trips me out to that it runs as well as it does. I normally run MMO with ever other oil change, and the secondaries I mech. linked, also noticed that the rear rotor plugs looked nicely "tan", while the fronts were oily,wet---So I am thinking I'll lay this motor to rest, it served me well. thanks all--

 

Are you sure your getting spark on the front rotor? Ignitor may have went... dunno...

 

may it rest in peace....................

 

I was hoping that instead of the motor being bad that maybe you weren't checking the compression the right way. Then we could tell you how for free, instead of you paying $$$ for a rebuild kit or a new motor.