Thread: small block rebuild first fire

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Welcome to CHR!

Tech covered the bases. My first thought was that you're 180 out on the distributor based on your

Originally Posted by constantinou220

...placed it in at tdc facing piston #1

Also on the spinning the engine with no plugs. Instructions with new flat tappet cams today tell you to fire immediately, minimize cranking and to take it to 2000rpm for twenty minutes to help ensure the cam/lifters get broken in right. Anything else may have set you up to grind off a lobe or two in short order which means a total teardown to get rid of the ground up lobe(s). Roller lifters are the ticket with today's oils, but you may dodge the bullet if you run a heavy dose of ZDDP or a good racing oil.

The lack of good ground is a great tip, and hopefully you didn't totally smoke that starter. If you're lucky you just overheated it and it will still be OK. Cross your fingers as you turn the key the next time, but be ready for a drive to your favorite auto parts store. A stock starter will be fine for your engine, and use cable for your engine to frame ground, not those cheap mesh straps.

Let us know what you find when you check your distributor position vs #1 TDC Compression.