rithsleeper

I just transplanted a 85 12a into my 79 rx7. I reused my oil pan, water pump, carb, and distributor. I moved the crank pulley so the farthest right mark (of two marked in yellow). Then lined the dimple with the hump on the bottom of the dist shaft and gear. The only place the car will run is when the bolt holding the adjustment slot is all the way to the right (very retarded I think...)

The car idles but as soon as I turn the dist to advance it, the idle gets rough and stalls. Anytime I rev the engine it hits 2000rpm and stalls.

I'm thinking I am too advanced. How can I fix this? Should I try moving the gear one tooth or try moving the wires one slot over to to give more adjustment? I'm still unfamiliar with the rotary systems...

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

just out of curiosity, are there TWO yellow marks on the outermost pulley? the actual timing marks are on the main pulley and should coincide with two indentations. if there's any traces of paint left on them, then there should be one yellow and one red.

at any rate, try re-installing the distributor using the FSM. from what you describe the timing is off by at least a tooth.

rithsleeper

There is a red and a yellow mark. I linned up the yellow with the tiny pole sticking out over the shaft to mark timing. One of my racing pals said sometimes he just has to play around with it till he finds it. So moving one tooth over and trying stuff. There has to be a better way....

rithsleeper

Fsm is kind of confusing. It says line the marks on the distributor and gear then install... that's terribly unspecific. I assume the dimple is the gear mark and the hump is the shaft mark. Then it says "install dist." However there are two ways it will slide in, all the way advanced and all the way retarded. The advanced won't run and back fires and the retarded does my original problem.

Diabolical1 thanks for answering my questions. I can see why the rx scene has been dying for the last 10 years. I have a 89 corvette and get 5 responses to questions 5 min after posting. ItIt's a much easier way of getting info. Even the rx8 forums are like this.... guess I'm just spoiled.

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

by any chance, is the needle on the front cover bent?

rithsleeper

A little yes. Would it make that big of a difference being either way a few millimeters

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

it remains a distinct possibility. I've had the occasion to bend some of them back. others I just tried to "eyeball" a straight line for the mark on the pulley. either way, just keep trying. the correct tooth is there, you just need to find it.

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

and just FYI ... this section is kinda "funny" in the sense that it can go for weeks without anyone answering any questions or you can get some prominent members in here answering questions daily for little spurts. no rhyme or reason to it.

with stuff like this, you're likely better off posting in the Gen I forum.

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

also just noticed this and figured it may need clarification. after aligning the dimple and tab on the shaft, when you actually go to install the distributor, you should try to install it so it's close to the middle of the adjustment range.

rithsleeper

I'm out of town now but I'm betting you gave me my answer. If I turn the crank shaft pulley a little more and eyeball the bent prong where it should be I bet it will be right. The fact it won't slide in near the middle of the adjustment tells me something is out of align and its prob that pulley. I will get to try sunday. Thanks again diabolical.