Quote Originally Posted by Mkadawametwa
i have recently re built my chev 350 motor and i cant seem to get the timing right for the engine to start, i have set the #1 piston to TDC and the distributor to the #1 fireing spot and it shot a 3ft flame out the carb. to my knowledge this is NOT right, little is known about the internal components (crank shaft, cam, lifters, etc.) could the cam be off some? or is it another problem i have over looked? please render any help possable.

thank you, MK
OK so far EXCEPT for the cam gear being in the 12 o'clock position,,, for VALVE timing, the small crank sprocket should be at 12 o'clock and the large cam gear at 6 o'clock. Bear in mind that this configuration places IGNITION timing 180 degrees off. Try this,,,,, pull #1 plug,,, place a finger over the plug hole and 'feel' the compression stroke (with a buddy helping) While buddy turns the engine, look at the harmonic damper timing mark, when it lines up with the marks on your timing tab and your finger can't hold the compression,,, you are in the ball park,,, now put your distributor in so the rotor points to #1,,, button everything up and you should be smiling,,, ohhh, almost forgot the rotor position is also #1 plug wire. ( firing order 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2) clock wise, viewed from top,,, good luck,,, Peter