popping through the carb

[84dragcutlass]

Just got ahold of an 87 cutlass with a 350 in it. Set top dead center timing and tried to start it. Keeps popping through the carb no matter how u move the timing. Acts like it will start but right when it seems its going to. pop. Any suggestions? Need a second opinion i can provide more info if needed. Thanks guys

 

[86 regal]

Are you sure the plug wires are on right? maybe the rotor is 180 off?

 

[SScamino]

Take off the valve covers and look at your rocker arms.. any loose one? Tighten them back up. Still not working? Look to do a cam change very soon.

 

[jrm81bu]

Sounds like it's 180 off. You might have set top dead center on the exhaust stroke instead of compression stroke.

 

[pontiacgp]

Sounds like it's 180 off. You might have set top dead center on the exhaust stroke instead of compression stroke.

x2....just lift the distributor and turn the rotor 180* and drop it back in

 

[86cutlassrules]

Most likely 180 out, take the drivers side valve cover off and turn the engine by hand while watching the rocker arms. The first 2 on the drivers side are for cylinder number one. The First rocker arm is the intake, the second is exhaust, as you're turning the engine you'll see the rocker arms go up and down. Once you've seen the intake rocker go all the way down start turning the engine slowly the cylinder should be at top dead center once you line up your timing mark to top dead center. If the exhaust valve opens and closes and then you arrive at top dead center you have the engine 180 degrees out of time. One more rotation of the crankshaft will get you to top dead center on the compression stroke. Once you have the engine at top dead center set the rotor as close to cylinder #1 on the cap as possible. Then start the car set your timing and go have some fun. By the way set your timing around 12 degrees it should run pretty well. If you want to know how to time it within an inch of its life for most power PM me Ill explain it.

 

[84dragcutlass]

Ill try and turn the distibutor around but i checked with the old *ss way and put my finger on the spark plug hole and when it blew my finger off the hole i knew it was the compression stroke. Lined i up on the balancer and put the distributor in with the rotor pointing toward #1 cylinder. Idk i hope its not the cam but you never know on a car u just got. Might junk the motor and drop in a 454 but to many modifications for that since the rest of the drivetrain wont hold. Worth a shot to see if it is 180 out

 

[pontiacgp]

if you did the finger method then your probably not off with your timing....what shape is your ignition set up in...I had poping and missing once and changed the wires, cap and rotor and it ended up to be bad plugs.

 

[olds307 and 403]

What kind of 350?

 

[84dragcutlass]

Changed the plugs and the wires are ok and in the right order (now) lol. turned over smoother with the new plugs however it still pops and spits through when it goes to actually start. when i say "pops" through the carb it just kinda spits up more than anything doesnt flame up or make a loud crack or anythin which is why i didnt think the timing was to far off since there wasnt a flame from the carb or loud noise. Its a Chevy 350 btw with the center bolt valve covers