Fail to fire

[MASTAGEE]

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.

[cffisher]

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

[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.

[MASTAGEE]

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......

[rspears]

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?

[MASTAGEE]

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

[rspears]

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

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?

[MASTAGEE]

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!!!!!

[rumrumm]

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.

[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

[rspears]

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!!

[IC2]

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