Distributor Install/Lineup
Distributor Install/Lineup
I have done my engine swap (ea82 to another ea82) they had different distributors, my engine had the electronic one (with the two organge plastic bits under the cap) and the other was the non eletric one i think. I swapped mine accross to the new engine cause the wiring was different. Now the car will turn over but timing sounds very wrong and it wont start. It tried to put the distributor back into the engine with the button in the same position as the other one was.
What is the procedure to line up the distributor?
What is the procedure to line up the distributor?

- BaronVonChickenPants
- General Member
- Posts: 1187
- Joined: Tue Oct 04, 2005 10:00 am
- Location: Nowra, NSW
As far as I know all EA82 dizzy's should be electronic but there are a few different versions.
What I do is linup cylinder 1 to TDC using the timing marks, then point the rotor button to cylinder 1 on the dizzy cap.
Don't screwy the dizzy down yet, you'll probably still need to hunt for it, if you're lucky enough to have someone cranking the engine while you hunt it makes it easier.
It could still be out 180 degree's, if it is you'll know when it fires with a fueled cylinder and the exhaust valve open, causing a god almighty bang, all animals within 500m tend to disappear.
In this case turn the engine to TDC again making sure therotor button is pointing to #3 then lift the dizzy and point it back to #1 and try again.
Jordan.
What I do is linup cylinder 1 to TDC using the timing marks, then point the rotor button to cylinder 1 on the dizzy cap.
Don't screwy the dizzy down yet, you'll probably still need to hunt for it, if you're lucky enough to have someone cranking the engine while you hunt it makes it easier.
It could still be out 180 degree's, if it is you'll know when it fires with a fueled cylinder and the exhaust valve open, causing a god almighty bang, all animals within 500m tend to disappear.
In this case turn the engine to TDC again making sure therotor button is pointing to #3 then lift the dizzy and point it back to #1 and try again.
Jordan.
To become old and wise, first you must survive being young and dumb.


Great effort fellas. The weber btw when I seen it wasnt the usual 32/36 DVG variety fitted to Subies. It was a progressive equal sized 2x barrel possibly a 38/38. Should go harder with that and the cam!!
Sucks about the clutch though.
Sucks about the clutch though.
'03 Forester X, stock standard for now.
'89 EA82T Touring Wagon, 5-speed D/R, 14" alloy wheels, bullbar. (Past ride)
'81 MY wagon, 3" lift, 5-speed D/R, Weber, 14x27" tyres. (Past ride)
'89 EA82T Touring Wagon, 5-speed D/R, 14" alloy wheels, bullbar. (Past ride)
'81 MY wagon, 3" lift, 5-speed D/R, Weber, 14x27" tyres. (Past ride)
it has written on it ... 32/36 .. so it thinks it is the normal webber.. but it does not go hard at all
still trying to chase the problem here .. have to feed the throttle in very gently to make it pull away .. and the best ive had it running was with the timing around 25-30 degrees advance on the flywheel with a timing light ..
any ideas anyone ?
still trying to chase the problem here .. have to feed the throttle in very gently to make it pull away .. and the best ive had it running was with the timing around 25-30 degrees advance on the flywheel with a timing light ..
any ideas anyone ?

- hughybabes
- Junior Member
- Posts: 81
- Joined: Thu Oct 06, 2005 10:00 am
- Location: upwey/ victoria
I have had a very similar experience changing to an electronic distributor on an ea 81 motor. Had to have it way off the timing marks for it to run. Havent been able to find out why this is necessary. Went back to points dizzy, thinking may have been a problem with elec dizzy. Still have the elusive misfire on hard right turns....
1984 sportswagon
ea81 twin carburettor motor.
"d-shaped" siamese exhaust port heads.
mild low torque cam. electronic dizzy.
2.5 inch engine pipes; 2.25 tail pipe; rear sports muffler.
ea81 twin carburettor motor.
"d-shaped" siamese exhaust port heads.
mild low torque cam. electronic dizzy.
2.5 inch engine pipes; 2.25 tail pipe; rear sports muffler.
i have quite possibly done the same swap (im using the distributor from my original motor (a 92 L series) on this motor which is an 86. I swapped them over to simplify wiring and spent a day with fireballs coming out the carby wishing i hadnt.
Might just get it all plumbed up properly and then take it somewhere for a tuneup
Might just get it all plumbed up properly and then take it somewhere for a tuneup
