trouble starting engine

[aint_no_half_stephen]

Yo! I got a question to those who have rebuilt their engines. I'm haviing trouble starting mine for the first time. Fire keeps popping through the carb. I thought it was 180 out, but when I checked, the pointer was where it needed to be( pointing between the 1&3 cylinders onj the compression stroke). Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.

 

[carpenter383]

Yo! I got a question to those who have rebuilt their engines. I'm haviing trouble starting mine for the first time. Fire keeps popping through the carb. I thought it was 180 out, but when I checked, the pointer was where it needed to be( pointing between the 1&3 cylinders onj the compression stroke). Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.

The rotor should point to the #1 cyl at TDC on the comression stroke. It's easy to get the dist. a tooth off. If it is a tooth off you can move your wires over one all the way around instead of pulling the dist back out.
An easy way to make sure your on the compression stroke is take the valve cover off and make sure both valves are closed.

 

[Bonnewagon]

Ditto. Is your firing order 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2? Between 1 & 3 is #8 and #4 - so that's way off, and would explain the popping out the carb. Best way to time a fresh motor is to have someone crank it while you use a timing light to verify the timing. You could still be 180* off since #6 and #1 show up on the timing tab the same.

 

[pontiacgp]

the rotor should be point to the number 1 terminal on your cap and make sure your on the compression stroke by taking #1 plug out and place your finger over the hole, when it's on the compression stoke you'll feel the air rush out of the cylinder

 

[aint_no_half_stephen]

When I set the #1 cylinder to tdc on the compression stroke, the pointer was in between the #2 & #1 posts on the distributor. But at the same time pointing at the 1&3 cylinders. I thought this was correct, but something is obviously wrong cause it wont start. At tdc, is the pointer supposed to be right under the #1 post on the distributor? Or right before it?

 

[pontiacgp]

it is supposed to be pointed right at the #1 terminal on the cap....sounds like you are one tooth off but I don't think that would cause the pooping from the carb. I would check to make sure you're on the compression stroke

the other thing about starting the engine up for the first time did you make sure the engine was lubricated before you tried to fire it up?

 

[aint_no_half_stephen]

Yeah its been pre lubed every time I removed the dizzy. Gonna try it when I get off work. Thanks.

 

[jrm81bu]

You can point the rotor wherever you want as long as the wires correspond to it. The biggest problem is confusing the exhaust stroke with the compression stroke. Worse case, pull your valve cover to make sure the intake valve was the last to close while the piston is on it's way to tdc and that the exhaust valve is not open.
When you assembled the engine, most people will line up the marks on the crank and cam gear dot-to-dot. If you drop the distributor in without spinning the motor one revolution it will be 180 out.

 

[chevy2480]

To make sure you are on compression stroke on #1 I find it easier to remove power wire to coil so car wont start,remove #1 spark plug have someone slowly bump motor over not crank just tap key, why you have your finger over spark plug hole when it blows your finger off hole you are on compression stroke. Just make sure timing mark is not past pointer you might have to go forward or backwards a little but you will know you are on the right stroke.

 

[pontiacgp]

most people will line up the marks on the crank and cam gear dot-to-dot. If you drop the distributor in without spinning the motor one revolution it will be 180 out.

you must have been watching me on the last engine I put together...old age is my excuse..