I have owned my RX-7 since 79. It is in good shape but I have been going through points(purchased from various auto parts stores) every 500 milies. I replaces the whole points condensor assembly .

I am not mechanicaly inclined and my mechanic has done well until this problem started.

Are the points being made today inferior .
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Dick

 

Maybe your ballast are shot?

Time to upgrade to a electronic dizzy.

 

ok what are ballast?

I am interested in electronic ignition but my mechanic advises against.

What is a dizzy?

 

dizzy = distributor.

Your mechanic advises against? Did he give you a good reason why, or did he just say simply that?

On the older cars the ignition coils had ballast for them to reduce the voltage, a big resistor basicly. You'll notice these are white "blocks" close to your coils.

 

I don't know for sure if this would cause the points to burn up quickly, but when I finally replaced the distributor in my '79 (original owner) last year with an electronic distributor, I found that the base plate that the points mount to was shot...it didn't keep the points flat all the time, since the bearings in it were shot. I think this was a common problem with the '79 distributors. The base plates are available...I think MazdaTrix sells them, but it would be far better to upgrade to the electronic distributor from an FB.

Rich

 

Convert to electronic: it will end your points problem and allow you to use modern plugs, like NGK BR9EQ14. I gotta do it to my REPU. I got the parts for $15 at the junkyard.

B

 

Definately agree with replacing the points dizzy with an electronic ignition. I did this to my 79 a couple of years aga with no regrets. Wish I had done it years earlier.

 

If the points are burning, check that you are replacing the condensers (all 4) with every point change. Make sure you are getting the right ones connected to the right place. Make sure that you have the correct coils (1980 and up coils will not work with the earlier points system).

At the best, when I had the points on my '79, they had to be filed and reset every 2000 miles to keep the engine performing well.

I agree, I replaced my point system with electronic and now I don't touch anything for 10 to 12,000 miles.

RXDad

 

Thanks people,

These are good suggestions.
I have replaces condencers , coils and points..

Any suggestions on where to get the electronic ignition.?
Dick

 

Anywhere on the board... just post in the wanted section. I've got one I may be willing to part with.

 

Could you give me some info on what you have?
How easy is it to install?
Dick

 

What type of system did you get?
Any suggestions as to where I could find one on the net?

 

http://www.mazspeed.com/ignitionswap.htm

That is the info on how to do the swap...

 

I got mine at the Pick n Pull (junkyard). They usually have at least a couple around here. If I remember I'll pickup another one next time (in a week or two). Nowadays they usually have the 2 J109s stripped off, but mine still had them until some thieving character stole the J109s off the dist while it was in the back of the REPU. But I have plenty spares, I keep buying them for about $20 on eBay when I see them. I think it's prudent to keep 1 in the glove compartment of the 7 in case of an emergency.

B

 

I noticed today there was four and i only changed the two with the wires comming outta the dizzy. i just ordered two more and noticed there was a size difference. i got the small one hooked up too the leading is that right and for the othere two condensers that sid on the vacuums are they the same one small one bigger?

 

Just wondering if that could be a problem too?
how do u check if there good?

 

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generati...nsors-1053381/

Check to see if they hold a charge. Another words put 12volts - to the grounded side and 12volts + to the little wire coming out of it and then un attach the + wire and try to see if it creates a spark when touching the wire to the ground.

I just ran accross the same thing. I still don't know what the other two condensors do. BUT I do know it doesn't affect my car. Although I am not running the intermitten trailing spark.