My 1984 fwd five speed ea81 wagon has started with the dreaded jumping tach. There's also quite a bit of noise on startup. I can also see some wear on the rotor along with other internal components from them making contact :-\

 

I've heard of people rebuilding them, but it sounds like it's somewhat involved, which I'm fine with, i just can't find any info on how it's done. If I get a new disty what should I get? How do I tell which one I have now? The tag has worn off. Will a 4wd one work fine? I've heard there are some differences. I don't really want to send mine out as I plan on starting to drive it in the next couple of weeks, and finding a used one is not an option where I live. They are long since gone.

 

 

Thanks for any info you can give me, it's much appreciated!

As far as new one's go, from what I've dug up on the forums 4wd came with hitachi distributors, and fwd came with nippon-denso. Difference was the length of the shaft for the gear iirc.

this thread has some rebuild info.

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3296

 

I considered doing just that a whole back, but instead just bit the bullet and purchased a reman.

 

This page has some dizzy replacement info

 

http://www.bonnefinstudios.com/kwb/automotive/dizzy.htm

Awesome thanks guys! I I have the other dizzy by looking at Idasho's link, at least not the hitachi you put in your car anyway. So I'll check tomorrow and see prices. and maybe order one. Then I can try to rebuild this one for future use if it's not too torn up inside.

Edited March 19, 201214 yr by 1982gl4

So, my '83 has the Hitachi (Which is correct) and these run Brass bushings Vs Bearings huh. Wonder how ofter they fail? Something to look forward too I guess :-/

I've got a few....both HItachi's and Denso's. (sounds like you've got the denso) All pulled from running engines.

 

$30 bucks shipped to you if you need one. PM if you need.

PM sent! I may try to rebuild the one I have if I can get a good spare!

There's an outfit in Portland that rebuilds distributors. The name escapes me but General Disorder will remember the name and would know if they are still in business. I know I posted it a while back but GD would likely be able to save you some long and involved searching.

 

Most likely your jumpy tach is the result of a worn main shaft bushing. If the shaft wobbles it really screws up the timing and the tach doesn't like it.

He posted this in another ea81 jumping tach thread I found.

 

http://www.philbingroup.com/

 

Be nice if there was something a bit closer, I'll have to look around here as well. I'm hoping I get a good used one and I'll be set for a while. Still nice to have a good backup at all times.