Thread: Sbc 350 starting issue

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Ok, I have a mildly built small block that is a fairly recent rebuild. I put the motor in last year, and it ran like a bat outta hell. Ran it for 500 miles, went to adjust valves and changed oil. Went to start and ran like it was missing on several cylinders. Changed out lifter, plugs, pushrods, and rocker arms. Ran compression, 150 per cylinder all 8, checked spark, all spark hot and good, got fuel. Set everything up, went to start and had distributer as far as it would go and to to pump gas to keep running. Rotated 180 and wouldnt even start. Any ideas would be very helpful.

Sounds like it jumped time, verify that your timing is correct.

Also verify that the balancer hasn't spun. Set the #1 cylinder piston at TDC, then look to see if the balancer is at zero on the timing tab.

Balancer is still at zero, have verified that numerous times with tdc. How would it jump timing and how to check it? It has a double roller timing chain.

My money would be on mal-adjustment of the valves. Please try this procedure.....
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...stment_SBC/BBC

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Originally Posted by Pinball79

Balancer is still at zero, have verified that numerous times with tdc. How would it jump timing and how to check it? It has a double roller timing chain.

It's essentially the same as verify the piston in cylinder 1 is at TDC, the balancer is at zero on the timing tab and then lift off the distributor cap, is the rotor at #1? If it looks good, then hook up a timing light,

If it has compression, fuel and spark at the right time, it'll run. What have you been setting the timing at prior?

I have been doing that, I have even verified tdc with an inspection camera. I have dropped in distributer with rotor facing #1 or as close to as humanly possible. It does act like if I had more room to turn distributer it would run so I wonder if it could be distributor?

Originally Posted by Pinball79

I have been doing that, I have even verified tdc with an inspection camera. I have dropped in distributer with rotor facing #1 or as close to as humanly possible. It does act like if I had more room to turn distributer it would run so I wonder if it could be distributor?

Could be the inertia ring on the harmonic damper has slipped in relation to the inner drive hub. When the elastomer material between them gets old and degrades, this can happen. So, if you have to keep moving the distributor to keep up with the slipping inertia ring, you can finally run out of room to rotate the distributor. Pull the distributor out and turn it back one tooth to be able to turn the cap some more and get the timing you need.

Fix the problem with this tutorial....
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...op_dead_center

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Ok, I tried the rotating the distributor 1 tooth, ran a little better, but still like crap and still had to hold carb open for it to run. I am so lost

Have you checked if # 1 is on compression stroke and valves are closed with distributor at #1 Forget about damper marking for this. You will have to eliminate one thing at a time. You can put a timing light on #1 and see if it is firing with #1 at tdc or close.

what made you think you needed to adjust the valves .. sounds like you created your own problem .. we not knowing your level of engine knowledge may never get you thru this ... you could easily keep making things worse .

Originally Posted by Pinball79

Balancer is still at zero, have verified that numerous times with tdc. How would it jump timing and how to check it? It has a double roller timing chain.

Did you install it or did someone tell you one was installed?

I went to adjust lifter cause they where chattering a little and as I said it was a fresh build, figured after 500 miles and when they started chattering I could snug them up. I installed the balancer and all and as I said when I first put it in and fired it up it purred like a kitten. All the problems started after I adjusted the valves. Distributor is just as new as the motor, it is a summit billet hei though, I have checked each plug wire for spark individually. And all where good, I got to number 1 and it was weaker than others, so I swapped for another plug and it was just as bright as the others, replaced all plugs. I have made sure that I am on tdc on compression stroke and am still where I am. I am wondering if its the summitt distributor

maybe dumb question but have you checked to see if the cam went flat?

are you adjusting the lifters with the engine running or not running ?