73-87chevytrucks.com

73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: SteveH on April 29, 2018, 10:04:27 am

Title: Wont Start
Post by: SteveH on April 29, 2018, 10:04:27 am

Good morning all. I am having a start problem. Specs; 350, HEI distributor. Some background; I had my engine (350) rebuilt to a small block, I put the lifters, heads and intake on myself. The engine turns over but will not fire. Occasionally it will backfire but never really tries to catch. What I've tried and symptoms:

 1. Checked initial timing, put engine to TDC (checked by valve position and verifying that the piston was at TDC. then put to 12 degrees BTCD). Pointed rotor cap at spark plug number 1.
 2. When trying to start, after a few times fire can be seen coming out of the headers (Don't have all of the exhaust connected, just the headers). I assume this means it getting enough gas but not igniting.
 3. Verified spark, connected spark plug tester and could see the arc.
 4. When I installed the lifters I coated them with a light coat of oil, but I have been reading they might be stuck. They were new lifters I got from the engine shop.

 any help or directions would be greatly appreciated.

 Thank you

Title: Re: Wont Start
Post by: VileZambonie on April 29, 2018, 12:48:37 pm

Either you have the distributor clocked wrong or the valves adjusted too tight. Start by ensuring you are on TDCC (Compression) Rotate the crank until you see the #1 intake valve open and close, make sure the piston is all the way up and the mark on your balancer is at zero. Check the position of the rotor, if it's not correct, move it so that it is pointing at #1 terminal on the cap.

Title: Re: Wont Start
Post by: Mario on May 27, 2018, 03:59:34 pm

If what Vile wrote doesn't get you running then check the following:

The distributor might not be engaging the slot in the oil pump shaft.  You think you have it aligned where it should be, but you're actually off if it were to seat properly.  When you go to crank it either seats, or stays locked onto the top of the shaft.  Use a long flat blade to help you align the oil pump shaft.  I think you have to be one position ahead of number 1, and then if it seats properly it will have rotated to number 1. 

Title: Re: Wont Start
Post by: Rapid Roy on May 27, 2018, 04:43:51 pm

Welcome to the site

Title: Re: Wont Start
Post by: 85 CA SIERRA 1500 on May 31, 2018, 11:22:47 am

Hi Steve,,,
Has there been any progress, have you been able to get the motor to fire up and idle yet?
All the best,
CaSierra1500