I need to tune up my '83 7 for the first time and wonder if I need to bring it to someone who specifically works on rotaries. I've been told the timing can be an issue for the unaquainted. Is any ole guy on the corner capable of a good tune, or should I take the time to learn who the local talent is here in Tallahassee?

 

A tune up is not all that different for a rotary. Start off with new plugs, plug wires, dist. cap and rotor, air filter, and fuel filter. Checking and setting the timing is easy. You will of course need a timing light. Hook it to the leading plug wire on the front rotor (bottom plug). There are two marks on the main pully at the front of the engine. You may need to put some fresh paint on these to see them clearly. The first mark (this would be the one that if you are staning on the left side of the car that would rotate around to you first) is the leading timing mark. Paint it a different color than the second (trailing mark). Start and WARM UP the engine. I should be idling around 750 rpms. Aim the timing light at the front pully and pull the trigger. The leading timing mark should be lined up with the indicator pin. If it is not, loosen the dist. lock nut and slowly rotate the dist. until the mark lines up with the pin. Once it is lines up, tighten down the dist. lock nut and you are done. You can check the trailing the same way just attach the timing light to the front trailing plug wire (top one) and see if the marks line up. Usually if your leading is one the trailing will be as well. If your car is still running rough you are in need of more than a basic tune up. Your carb. may be in need of some serious attention.

Hope this helped.

 

I learned a while back that I better just learn how to do stuff on my own especially with a rotary because most places that I've been to won't even touch them. Another thing that I've seen is that the "old guy around the corner" is usually more knowledgable about cars than the more mainstream shops because the old guy has been working on cars since the model t and they usually have the "touch" that makes the vehicles fix themselves..