I recently rebuilt the 12a engine in my RX7. The engine has fuel, compression, and spark. The distributor is also new but the engine will not start. My best guess is that the timing is off. What is the correct process for installing the distributor and setting the timing without the car running? Is there anything else that could be causing it not to start?

Cameron

 

What year is the 12A?

Does the main front pulley have a locating rivet (or did it)?

Step 1 -> ensure the main pulley is on correctly. It can be 90*, 180*, or 270* degrees out if not oriented correctly. If you have the rivet, then there is no question on how it goes on.

Search for finding TDC within the first gen section. Once you are satisfied the pulley is correct, locate the timing marks on the pulley. They can be hard to see. Originally they have paint but there should be a couple of small marks.

Also search the first gen section on how to align the dizzy. Basically there is a line on the shaft and a dimple on the gear. Do not confuse the roleoin for the dimple.

 

Plenty of tutorials on setting the timing. Even if you are a few degrees off it should start. At least I think it should. There is a notch on the flywheel edge the you line up to the inspection plate on the side of the bell housing. The front pulley can be put on wrong. Once again, there are write ups that really describe the process.

once timing is confirmed, is your fuel old and rancid? New fuel filter? Will it fire if you pour a small bit of fuel down the primaries? Does the carb need rebuild? Fouled or wet spark plugs? Battery it good shape? Fully charged and delivering full cranking amps?

 

It’s a 1978 12a.
The fuel, carb, fuel filter, etc., are all good as well.

 

Does the car still have a points distributor or did someone convert to electronic?

 

It still has points. we did get it started for a couple of seconds but the rpms kept climbing so we shut it off again.
the only problem is that it won’t start so we are looking to see what could have caused it.

 

possibly it's just flooded now. the rising RPM could be a vacuum leak.

see if you can find the leak and fix it, then pull the plugs, dry them, clear the chambers and try again.