EA82 Distributor won't turn to set timing.

BorneoDave · Post by **BorneoDave** » Mon Jan 03, 2011 9:09 pm

Hi all! Just joined the forum as I have fitted the Weber conversion to my EA82 GL Wagon (1984?)

Gradually ironing out the problems with vacuum hoses and now back to timing.

I fitted new plugs, leads, dist. cap and rotor button this afternoon.

Then I found that when I loosened the bolt to rotate the distributor and set timing, the distributor will not turn

I have tapped with a small hammer and tried moderate leverage but won't budge.

Have now sprayed with WD40 and wait a few hours.

Has anyone else had this problem? Any suggestions on freeing up the distributor? Is leverage the way to go? Obviously I am concerned about doing damage to the distributor body etc.

Any suggestions?

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Mon Jan 03, 2011 9:29 pm

some EA82 dizzys have two bolts with 10mm head to loosen off - not a silly question - did you see two? Some are so grotty you may not see it

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 6:16 pm

steptoe wrote:some EA82 dizzys have two bolts with 10mm head to loosen off - not a silly question - did you see two? Some are so grotty you may not see it

+1

it's not as silly as it sounds.. I've had people ask this many times and this is usually the reason.

BorneoDave · Post by **BorneoDave** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 6:36 pm

Thanks Steptoe, you were right. The distributor has two 10mm bolts. My ace mechanic did not notice this and neither did I at first as the second one is difficult to see, just to the right of the vacuum advance......

Now the timing is set and the engine idling smoothly and running quite well but still have a lack of accelaration, right through the RPM range.

I have checked vacuum hoses etc. but not sure of the cause.

The Subaru had better accelaration with the old Hitachi.

littlewhiteute · Post by **littlewhiteute** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 6:44 pm

Is this Weber a new carb?

If not, what engine is the carb off or meant for?

Have you checked the float level and jetting yet?

BorneoDave · Post by **BorneoDave** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 6:54 pm

Yep. Redline Weber conversion from the U.S. jetted up for the EA82 engine.
I'm thinking it could be a vacuum hose problem still... or vacuum advance.
The mech. who bolted on the carb. plugged a few of the hoses up. It idles smooth and the mixture seems right but just won't rev freely and accelarate once on the road.

BorneoDave · Post by **BorneoDave** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 6:56 pm

No Gary, haven't checked float level. Out of my skill range. Would that affect accelaration?
Dave

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 7:09 pm

Cam timing will make it feel like a brick to get moving when you hit the go faster pedal. But if the hitachi ran better before you put the weber on I'd say that the cam timing is fine.

Other thing it could be is an air leak between the mounting surfaces/adaptor plate of the carbie. As for vacuum lines so long as the vacuum advance hose is connected it should be sweet - but this should be super obvious to the mechanic that fitted it.

I can't think of any vacuum operated valves for the pollution gear that would be of concern, but having said that I've basically said goodbye to the EA82 carbie setup hopefully for good

All the best with it, I'll chip in if I've got something worth contributing unlike the stuff I've written bove

Cheers

Bennie

littlewhiteute · Post by **littlewhiteute** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 7:26 pm

BorneoDave wrote:No Gary, haven't checked float level. Out of my skill range. Would that affect accelaration?
Dave

I'd be taking the top off, but that's just me.

Carburettors don't like travelling in a box with an empty fuel bowl.

Bound to upset the float level from transit handling.

I check EVERY carb I ever use, don't care who built it or how much it costs.

I've seen $1500 carburettors not setup correctly out of the box.

Did you replace your fuel filter at the same time?

A piece of hose inner could be trapped within the needle and seat.

BorneoDave · Post by **BorneoDave** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 8:42 pm

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I think I have found the problem. Disconnected the vacuum hose to the vacuum advance on the distributor and took a drive down the road . . . made absolutely no difference.

There is vacuum from the engine so I guess the problem is with the vac. advance...

Took the dist. cap off and gave a squirt of WD40 aimed at the centrifugals .... noted rusty springs down there .... still no joy ... bad light .... close of play .....

will suck on the hose tomorrow and see if the thingy still moves.

Hopefully tomorrow morning the thingy will move and my Subaru will breathe new life!

littlewhiteute · Post by **littlewhiteute** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 7:35 am

Dave,

Coincidence the distributor has seized centrifugal weights and a ruptured vacuum advance diaphragm.

You did say it went better with the Hitachi.

Still must have had low power above 2000 rpm etc.

Your thoughts?

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 9:12 am

Your mechanic may have previously tuned the EA82 that came with just one dizzy lock tab bolt

, am sure he found it before my suggestion came along. Do you buy your fuel from the same source as the Sultan? Wouldn't be a fuel grade issue then!

BorneoDave · Post by **BorneoDave** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 10:32 pm

Vacuum advance working this morning. Put a syringe on the hose to check, hoves the weights, holds vacuum so popped the cap and went for a drive. Running well enough but lacks pick up still, so back to check the timing and set to 12 deg. BTDC????

BorneoDave · Post by **BorneoDave** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 10:35 pm

Fuel here is fifty cents a litre, thanks to Government subsidy. Fuel ain't a problem at all. I'd buy an old V8 if I could find one!!!