Thread: Firing Problems 327 SBC

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I just put my motor back into the car.I just got finished hooking everything up but the car wont fire.I tried re setting the timing and I checked for spark.I am getting a good spark.It sounds like it wants to fire but then it backfires and a popping noise comes from the carb. and some white smoke comes out.What could the problem be? Any help is much appreciated.Thanks

Probably 180 degrees out of phase. For years, every time I put an engine together, I would be 180 out when fire up time came. I thought it you lined up the 2 marks on the cam and crank, and put the pointer at number one it was timed. But I got the same backfiring you are getting.

Here is what to do. Take out number one plug, and put your thumb over the hole, sealing it. Have someone tap the starter or turn it over with a breaker bar on the crank until your thumb starts to get blown off of the hole. Then look at the pointer and turn the crank slightly until it is pointing at zero.

Now, install your distributor so that the points are just beginning to open, or if it is electronic ignition so it is pointing at number one contact in the cap. You should now be close enough to fire the engine, and time it perfectly with a light.

Could be something else, but at least you need to tie down this first.

Don


PS: Welcome to the forum

Thanks for your imput.I will try this.Also,I have a HEI distributor in my car.No points.

Ok I did what you said and got the car running but it wont stay running.It dies out when I let go of the gas.I hooked up my timing light but I cant get the light to work.Either my timing is broke or something else is wrong.What could the problem be?