rotary timing get messed up?
 

Can the timing on an RX-7 get off...particularly on a 3rd gen?

If so then how can you tell easily?

It's almost impossible for timing to get out of whack on a rotary.
Still having performance problems, girl7?

The car is still not up to spec. I had never hear of any timing problems, but I read a list that mentioned it. Figured I should ask cause you never know.

The shop manual briefly mentions the timing being off as a possibility. Looks like you have to use the timing light to really know cause it does not get much into symptoms.

I think the symptoms are the same as a normal car, but setting the timing is a work of art...

Michael

So an RX-7 with timing that is off would run like....?

stumbling, hesitation, rough idle or could it run smooth but low on power?

Beats me! Thats just what somebody told me once...I've personally never had a problem with the timing on my 7...

Michael

The timing may be off. It's very easy to check it and set it if needed. Just go to an auto parts store and buy a $30 inductive timing light and follow the directions in the factory service manual. I have the 88 and 93 on my Web site if you don't have your copy yet. You can download them here:

http://salmon.homeip.net/index.php?page=rex

Good luck.

You don't need a timing light. Has the distributor been removed then put back in. Keep in mind I know nothing about 3rd gens so this might be way off, but here is how I did it on my 1st gen...
I had to put a different distributor in. I didn't have the teeth lined up right and it would barely start and ran like crap. It made some real uneven sounds while it was turning over trying to start.
What did I do? I guesses. I took the distributor out and lined it up in an arbitrary position. From there I would move it 1 tooth clockwise (advanced) and start it again and again until it started to run smoothly. Once it was close, I used the adjuster and nut to fine tune the timing. Its fine now.
Just some trial and error, and careful resetting of the gear teeth and you should be able to get it sooner or later. Assuming thats your problem of course!

If you haven't all ready, replace the air and fuel filters. Check your sensors. Check the coils/igniter as well. Just to warn you, the last time I heard about new coils, they ran about $700 each.

Anyone else have good advice for girl7??

check to make sure the leading and trailing wires aren't mixed up