Recent SA Buy
#1
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Recent SA Buy
Picked up a 79 GS Daytona blue SA this summer. Typical story - sat since the 90's not started since etc... 96K miles a little rust etc,...
Anyway, I finally got some time to devote to trying to get it started.
PO says it ran when parked and I really do think it did.
However when I try to crank it with a fresh battery, it seems to crank really slow as compared to my SE's and other 12A's I've had in the past.
I owned a '79 back in '83 but not since so electronics on these is basically new to me.
Also the voltage gauge does not work when you turn on the key. Otherwise everything seems to be in order.
Cap, rotor, plugs, wires all new. Drained and replaced gas in the tank also.
I just think it should be spinning at a higher rate.
Any suggestions?
Also I would like to do the dizzy upgrade at some point.
I'd like to get this running so I can put it into storage for the winter.
Car now runs 15" epsilons mesh and looks pretty good
Anyway, I finally got some time to devote to trying to get it started.
PO says it ran when parked and I really do think it did.
However when I try to crank it with a fresh battery, it seems to crank really slow as compared to my SE's and other 12A's I've had in the past.
I owned a '79 back in '83 but not since so electronics on these is basically new to me.
Also the voltage gauge does not work when you turn on the key. Otherwise everything seems to be in order.
Cap, rotor, plugs, wires all new. Drained and replaced gas in the tank also.
I just think it should be spinning at a higher rate.
Any suggestions?
Also I would like to do the dizzy upgrade at some point.
I'd like to get this running so I can put it into storage for the winter.
Car now runs 15" epsilons mesh and looks pretty good
#3
1st-Class Engine Janitor
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The Choke and Check Relay is a place to start if the tach is not displaying volts with key on, engine off (after checking all the fuses).
The 79's had a separate electromechanical voltage regulator (big gold box on the drivers fender just in front of the firewall) that could also be a contributor.
The 79's had a separate electromechanical voltage regulator (big gold box on the drivers fender just in front of the firewall) that could also be a contributor.
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The Choke and Check Relay is a place to start if the tach is not displaying volts with key on, engine off (after checking all the fuses).
The 79's had a separate electromechanical voltage regulator (big gold box on the drivers fender just in front of the firewall) that could also be a contributor.
The 79's had a separate electromechanical voltage regulator (big gold box on the drivers fender just in front of the firewall) that could also be a contributor.
Last edited by wahootee; 10-13-15 at 09:52 PM.
#5
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Here are pics of the engine bay and the VIN.
Couple questions for anyone who cares to chime in.
Is the VIN a early production car? It has the 5 speed.
Second, why do I not have the solenoid for the Orange connector? Is that a CA spec item?
#7
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If its not SA specific I have lots of starters to swap in. So I can try that.
Here are pics of the engine bay and the VIN.
Couple questions for anyone who cares to chime in.
Is the VIN a early production car? It has the 5 speed.
Second, why do I not have the solenoid for the Orange connector? Is that a CA spec item?
Here are pics of the engine bay and the VIN.
Couple questions for anyone who cares to chime in.
Is the VIN a early production car? It has the 5 speed.
Second, why do I not have the solenoid for the Orange connector? Is that a CA spec item?
Doesn't look early build as from what I can from the pictures, you don't have the hood prop rod on the passenger side which is one of the easy things to look out for.
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#9
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the 55xxxx vin is most of the way through the 79 model year., which is fine. its not an early car, but its still neat.
out of all those relays, the big box with the mitsubishi symbol is the alternator controller, and then the choke and check relay i think is the one thats in the back. it will say choke or something like that on it.
out of all those relays, the big box with the mitsubishi symbol is the alternator controller, and then the choke and check relay i think is the one thats in the back. it will say choke or something like that on it.
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I just parted out a 80 LS, would the 80 have had the same solenoid that I can use or it is 79 only? I'll have to dig out the rats nest I just put away from the part out if it will work.
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There is not a provision for the vacuum lines etc.
I have attached pics of the 2 for comparison.
My build date was 3/79
from the patina on the rats nest where the solenoid is supposed to be, it almost appears that one was never installed from the factory . Is this a possibility since the hardlines on the 79 rats nest are not there?
I also ordered a new voltage regulator from Rock Auto, they had them on closeout for like $8.
Thanks.
#16
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My build date was 3/79
from the patina on the rats nest where the solenoid is supposed to be, it almost appears that one was never installed from the factory . Is this a possibility since the hardlines on the 79 rats nest are not there?
I also ordered a new voltage regulator from Rock Auto, they had them on closeout for like $8.
Thanks.
from the patina on the rats nest where the solenoid is supposed to be, it almost appears that one was never installed from the factory . Is this a possibility since the hardlines on the 79 rats nest are not there?
I also ordered a new voltage regulator from Rock Auto, they had them on closeout for like $8.
Thanks.
#17
RX HVN
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Replace the battery cables - make sure the contact points (2 for the Ground) are clean and weather protected.
Cables rot out and can lose a LOT of electrical efficiency. Have heard stories where a host of weird electrical stuff goes away with new cables.
For $15-ish (but usually free) an auto electrical shop will bench test your starter to be sure its up to snuff. Brainless to remove (but note where wires attach - camera is your friend)
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska
Cables rot out and can lose a LOT of electrical efficiency. Have heard stories where a host of weird electrical stuff goes away with new cables.
For $15-ish (but usually free) an auto electrical shop will bench test your starter to be sure its up to snuff. Brainless to remove (but note where wires attach - camera is your friend)
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska
#18
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On a 79, the orange solenoid valve is for the Vacuum Control Valve, which was only installed on California-spec cars w/ manual tansmission. Part of the Cali-specific emissions system.
You're going to want to download the 79 wiring diagram & the FSM; very useful for IDing model- and -state-build variations, & understanding electrical issues.
You're going to want to download the 79 wiring diagram & the FSM; very useful for IDing model- and -state-build variations, & understanding electrical issues.
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Thanks for all the helpful ideas. SA's just seem to take a little more attention than my SE's. Which is no big deal, it's just different , not bad. Unique might be a good word for these models.
#20
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They are unique but they are also enjoyable. The SA always seems to command more attention than the FB in public and they seem to always strike a chord with former owners. When new, they were absolutely fantastic and still remain so today. They, like all of the first generation series are a timeless design.
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if you look at the SA, you can see where Mazda was looking to Italy for inspiration
#22
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of course, then there is the whole concept of carburation.
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska
#24
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Congratulations on your addition! I'd love to see some pics of it on those Epsilons.
What's funny is that when I got my SA I was disappointed it wasn't an FB. I still like the FB's but the SA's definitely get more attention from people who know 7's, and are definitely more sought after than non-SE FBs. Harder to find parts for... but that's part of the fun of it.
What's funny is that when I got my SA I was disappointed it wasn't an FB. I still like the FB's but the SA's definitely get more attention from people who know 7's, and are definitely more sought after than non-SE FBs. Harder to find parts for... but that's part of the fun of it.
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