Thread: Fail to fire

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Tried everything, from timing, spark plugs, carb, distributor, and setting 12 degrees BTDC. Going to check compression next but could my valve adjustment be the issue. Any advice is appreciated.

What are we trying to fire. Is your timing right???Are you getting anything backfire ???may be 180 out??

No backfire, pulled the plugs and figured out it was flooding out. Carb adjustment is a turn and a half out on both screws. I checked compression last night and highest was 160 and lowest was 140. I got compression and reset all my valves. It's definitely timing but I am not backfiring at all. Just cranking..... What could be my next issue? Hmmmmmm???could I be 180 out without backfiring? Does that even happen. Gonna try turning down on my fuel/ air ratio.... interesting.

Sorry about that, it's a 350, Scat crandshaft, Crower level 3 cam, aluminum pistons (Speedpro), with fuelie heads ported, aluminum intake, 600 CFM edelbrock carb, with a set of Hedman Headers, Single wire alternator as well. Everything inside is new. 700R4 tranny but that's pretty much it.... Any input????? Thx for the reply......

Originally Posted by MASTAGEE

No backfire, pulled the plugs and figured out it was flooding out. Carb adjustment is a turn and a half out on both screws. I checked compression last night and highest was 160 and lowest was 140. I got compression and reset all my valves. It's definitely timing but I am not backfiring at all. Just cranking..... What could be my next issue? Hmmmmmm???could I be 180 out without backfiring? Does that even happen. Gonna try turning down on my fuel/ air ratio.... interesting.

If I were you I would re-check the timing before cranking it any more. Pull #1 plug, rotate and check for compression stroke, set your timing mark at 12 BTDC and re-check that your rotor is pointing at your #1 plug. If your base timing is right I would be checking spark. What distributor/ignition are you running?

It's a streetfire distributor from MSD. Pulled #1 and it is firing. #1 compression was at 160psi. Your thoughts

Originally Posted by MASTAGEE

It's a streetfire distributor from MSD. Pulled #1 and it is firing. #1 compression was at 160psi. Your thoughts

Originally Posted by rspears

If I were you I would re-check the timing before cranking it any more. Pull #1 plug, rotate and check for compression stroke, set your timing mark at 12 BTDC and re-check that your rotor is pointing at your #1 plug. If your base timing is right I would be checking spark. What distributor/ignition are you running?

Did you verify your timing as described? Rotate the engine until you have #1 on it's compression stroke, etc?

Thanks brotha, I was 180 out. Couldn't believe it. The last three builds I had I never did that. I guess we all make mistakes sooner or later. It fired so I immediately shut it down. Gonna put everything back right then break her in. I never do it this way but it had to fire before I could move on. Thanks for the insight...... Breaking her in this weekend!!! 2000 RPM's here I come!!!!!

That is easy to do. Most of us have learned this because at some point, we did it, too! lol! Hope your break-in went well.

I still set one 180 out every so often, just to stay in practice. Or, I forget Fords turn one way and GM's turn the other way.

Don

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

I still set one 180 out every so often, just to stay in practice. Or, I forget Fords turn one way and GM's turn the other way.
Don

My most recent blunder was failing to note that when I stabbed the distributor the fit in the intake was tight, preventing it from fully seating. I set the timing, rechecked it and then tightened the hold-down clamp but failed to check after tightening. The hold-down pulled the housing down another 1/16" to 3/32" which seated the gear deeper, retarding my base timing 12 degrees!! I was sorely embarrassed to find that one!!

I had to pull my distributor a couple of months ago - and duh - I didn't even look at where the rotor pointed. 180 or so out after I thought I was on TDC!! AMAZING!! 6' of fire out of my Flowmasters/tailpipes and I can assure you that the entire neighborhood was awake after that incident. I did prove one thing - my exhaust system welds are good