Problem: 1st gen 1980 rx7 12a
pulled off front eccentric shaft cover. Replaced gasket. did not removed oil chain or other components of this. Engine mounted on engine stand in rear. Eccentric shaft will not turn in this mounted position. Did not have eccentric shaft key in place. Installed front cover. Cannot get eccentric shaft key to slide all the way in, so that I can bolt on front pulley. Any suggestions, or do I just need to pull off cover and start over?

 

When removing the front hub, the engine needs to be upright position or else the torrington bearing to fall out of place and lodge the e-shaft. The only remedy is to face the engine up and reset the torrington bearing. Then reset the end play.

 

Thanks to anyone that may have looked at my thread, although I figured out the problem. I was able to move the sprockets on the oil pump with a long screw driver and this lined up for the shaft key insertion.