One of the things we discovered when attempting to start Mark's engine
is incorrect installation of the crank angle sensor. Don't assume it is correct
when you get it from an engine builder. It is easy to mis-install it with
one tooth off.

Tracy instructions
helped but they were not the whole story. There are two marks on the pulley true
enough but the paint can be worn off. The pulley's are also notched. It is
the first mark or notch that is 5 degrees AFTER top dead center when rotating the
engine in the correct direction and it is the one you use to install the crank
angle sensor.

Take out the crank angle sensor. Look at the bottom of the shaft
where the gear is. Set it and install it according to the shop manual.
Everybody needs a shop manual so download it from:
http://www.wankel.net/~krwright/cars/rx7/manuals.html
Print out the pertinent instructions and take them to the
hangar with you. Don't leave home without them.

If the stud that holds the crank angle sensor in position is not
near the middle of the adjusting slot the crank angle sensor is not installed
correctly.

Mazda engines don't come with degree wheels so Tracy's instructions don't help
much if the crank angle sensor is installed incorrectly. This was the
case with Mark's engine. Set the engine to the first notch on the pulley.
Use a pointer to indicate the position of 5 degrees AFTER top dead
center. You then need to count the teeth on the starter ring
gear and  rotate the engine to the proper settings. We counted 120 teeth
on the ring gear so each tooth is about 3 degrees. It is actually much easier
to use the starter ring gear teeth to set the timing.


Paul Lamar ...No rotor no motor.

The Rotary Engine NewsLetter. Powered by Linux.
ACRE NL web site. http://www.rotaryeng.net
Copyright 1998-2006 All world wide rights reserved.