Thread: car wont start

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hello all,
I am fairly new to auto mechanics, but I have a good grip on it I think. I've been working on a 429, I rebuilt the holley 750, and it has an msd dist. I also had to wire in a duraspark ignition module and coil that I found at a junkyard. My problem is that the engine will not start, I have set the timing to tdc by putting my finger in the spark plug hole when it pushed my finger out (by cranking over the engine), I used that for tdc. I set the #1 plug wire(on cap) directly inline with rotor at tdc. I know I'm getting spark because I pulled the spark plug out set the grounding strap against the head and could see a spark. Since I rebuilt the carb it should be getting gas, I also tried feeding starting fluid in it while my girlfriend was cranking the engine. Every once in a while I'll get a backfire (exhaust, and carb), or a stumble but that is about it. I am stumped, I don't know if maybe the ignition I wired up is not compatible with the msd distributor or what? Also could my coil not be giving the plug enough juice? I've got the coil hooked up to the solenoid power side, and neg. to duraspark module. The coil gets really hot fast too. Help please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally posted by parkerusaf
I have set the timing to tdc by putting my finger in the spark plug hole when it pushed my finger out (by cranking over the engine), I used that for tdc...

After you felt the compression push your finger out did you line up the timing mark with zero on the harmonic balancer?

Plug wires in the correct order taking into account the direction of rotation of the distributor.

So Parker, did you ever get the car started?
If so, what turned out to be the problem?

no, I haven't started it yet I'm thinking my distributor gear is off a tooth or two(or some timing problem). I haven't been able to mess with it lately cause I was on vacation.

Ok guys, I think I got the timing solved no backfiring now but, the engine will not stay running. Someone told me that the alternator might be bad. Will the alternator cause that even if I've got another car jumping the battery?

woohoo! The ranchero is alive just got it running( needs a little tuning but it is running). Good lesson learned here by a young grease monkey if your getting spark and fuel play with the distributor for timing. I also had my power wire for the coil hooked up on a wire that lost power after I put the ignition switch on run. I learned alot on this project so far and thanks to you guys it's running. I've got alot more in the future to do on this project, and probably more questions. I got to say thanks alot for the help, that made my day when started up and ran on it's own. This was my first car that I had worked on by myself with parts missing and starting from scratch with the ignition. Thanks again, you guys are awesome, and keep doing what your doing. Your probably helping out more than you know!