I am trying to get an 82 RX7 re-started. It started after it sat for about 10 years and by doing so I pulled crap through the carburetor. The car died after the semi-automatic choke kicked off and would not restart. I rebuilt the carb and cleaned the tank and it still won't start. I checked the timing (pulled all the plugs and cranked the engine with a timing light hooked up). I was able to adjust the leading timing but not the trailing. Loosening the screws and adjusting all the way forward or backward has little effect. When first checked the trailing timing was set to the leading mark. I removed the distributor and the lever that controls the traling timing does move. Any help is appreciated.

 

Did you change the fuel filter? if that crap go to the carb then it got through the filter and pump as well.

 

I did change the fuel filter before and after I rebuilt the carb.

 

Generally, even a complete lack of trailing timing won't prevent the car from starting. .. but I've read that on cars newer than '81, the trailing ignition also controls the fuel pump.

I'd start working thru the igintion wiring, and making sure all is right; if trailing is firing on the leading timing & failing to adjust when the pickup is moved, something might be misconnected.

Do you have fuel delivery from the pump to the carb?

 

I do have fuel delivery to the carb. I will start working through the ignition wiring and let you know. Thanks.

 

when checking the tailing timing are you checking on the correct plug wires, putting the timing light on the tailing spark plug wire, (T1 from the dist cap), and not trying to adjust tailing advance from the leading signal (L1 from dist cap)?

 

i can't remember if it was only 84-85 that have the fuel pump connected to the trailing ign. but it won't hurt to check for power on both leading and trailing, and check for spark also.

 

Yeah, I get confused on the FB's; never owned one. More variation amongst them than on the SA's.

 

I had the same timing problem a few weeks back... Leading would adjust and trailing would not.

Turned out the coils were swapped... in other words hooked up backwards. So when my timing light was on the trailing wire it was really on the leading and vise versa... It appeared trailing was not adjusting but it actually was which could be bad.

Make sure T is going to the trailing coil and L is going to the Leading coil that solved my problem.