78 cutlass W-31 build

[Clutch]

I know it has been asked before.

But are you positive the timing gears where both installed at 12 O'clock before you put the chain on?

For argument sake I did it bolt ways last night same same

 

[Clutch]

Can only be a few things:
1. Cam is out of time with the crank.
2. Valve train issue like lifters or pushrods are too long and once the rocker pedestal bolt is tight, the valve is open, even on the base circle of the cam.
3. Cam is somehow incompatible with your setup.

I know you are frustrated. I don't blame you. I hope you find the problem soon.

That's what I thaught with nothing working and me not having built a motor in 20 years I'm starting to second guess myself. I'm also second guessing my memory of my in stock parts and there origin

 

[Clutch]

I'd get video and post it if I knew how

 

[malibujustin]

Here's a question. Why are #1 rockers holding open when #1 is TDC and all the marks and the rotor are lined up?

If they are both open, can't be any compression on that particular cylinder when it should have it. Are you sure valve train geometry is correct? Pushrod length, rocker arms, lifters, etc. Both valves should never be open at the same time, unless some overlap I guess, if that's what your saying.

 

[Clutch]

Yes all 4 times

 

[Clutch]

I'm beginning to wonder if that's a 425 cam¿??

 

[olds307 and 403]

It could be a 330 or 425 cam, I think a later 39 degree cam will run in a 45 degree block, but not the other way around. I am talking shitty rough running but will start. Changing the cam and lifters at this point is a good idea. Is this a Cloyes brand timing set?

 

[1evilregal]

clutch, when I ask this, I'm not trying to insult your intelligence, but are the plug wires set for the ccw direction?

years ago, I had to come to the aid of a chevy guy that had accidentally wired them going ccw, and had spent days chasing his tail trying to figure out what went wrong.... sometimes we overlook the most basic things trying to figure out the big stuff...

 

[Clutch]

It could be a 330 or 425 cam, I think a later 39 degree cam will run in a 45 degree block, but not the other way around. I am talking shitty rough running but will start. Changing the cam and lifters at this point is a good idea. Is this a Cloyes brand timing set?

Yes

 

[Clutch]

clutch, when I ask this, I'm not trying to insult your intelligence, but are the plug wires set for the ccw direction?

years ago, I had to come to the aid of a chevy guy that had accidentally wired them going ccw, and had spent days chasing his tail trying to figure out what went wrong.... sometimes we overlook the most basic things trying to figure out the big stuff...

Yes ccw lol I did that when I was a kid on my first Diesel conversion