First start fail, need some help

[RooRocks]

So I used every trick I know of to find TDC and tried both firing orders for a 302 and all I got was popping. Based on the sound I believe my timing is way off so I pulled the dizzy, found TDC as best I could, replaced dizzy and attached the coil. I then cranked it over to see which post was sparking and assumed that was my #1 and tried both firing orders for the 302. Any help?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zG5sn19fr4Q

[Jim Schenck]

Did you install a new cam or timing chain? Those symptoms could also be from the cam timing being off.

[LewPoberezny]

Easiest way for me to find TDC compression is to pull #1 sparkplug, have some one tap over starter till I feel pressure at the #1 hole and then turn crank by hand until timing mark is at zero. That is where I stab the distributor with the rotor pointing to where #1 is supposed to be on the cap. Some times if I have all the plugs removed I crank the engine over with the timing light attached and set the timing at that time. That will usually allow the engine to start at first turn of the key if I have fuel.

[RooRocks]

Did you install a new cam or timing chain? Those symptoms could also be from the cam timing being off.

Motor was professionally built. I know that doesn't always mean anything but I myself did not build the motor.

[RooRocks]

Easiest way for me to find TDC compression is to pull #1 sparkplug, have some one tap over starter till I feel pressure at the #1 hole and then turn crank by hand until timing mark is at zero. That is where I stab the distributor with the rotor pointing to where #1 is supposed to be on the cap. Some times if I have all the plugs removed I crank the engine over with the timing light attached and set the timing at that time. That will usually allow the engine to start at first turn of the key if I have fuel.

I kinda went that way. I put my finger over the #1 plug hole and had my wife turn the crank and when I felt the compression I used a pencil to find the top. I then put the dizzy in and I got the same result.

Excuse my lac of knowledge but what do you mean by turn crank until timing reads 0?

[astglenn]

What Lew said. You can also do this:

Pull the valve cover that covers the rockers for #1 cylinder. When you are TDC on the appropriate stroke, both rockers will be up (valves closed) The harmonic balancer should show you somewhere around 0 degrees of timing. 15 degree to either side is OK and you are close. Turn the crank until the pointer is showing somewhere in the range of 10-15 degrees BTDC. Now drop the distributor in (take the helical travel of the gear into consideration, as it will turn the distributor shaft as it is seated downward) You want the rotor pointing at # 1 cylinder wire on the cap. It needs to be fairly close. Adjust the housing to make it so.

"Turning" the crank means to put a socket wrench (1/2") drive on the bolt head in the crankshaft, and turn the crank to get it rotated into the proper position. PS DONT FORGET TO REMOVE THE WRENCH !!! It happens and it can suck bad.

[riptide motorsport]

What they said, your on the right track , keep at it. Is that stack injection? that could be alittle problematic for you too. Call the builder and ask the firing order, ie 351/302ho or 302...........Steven

[tjmotter]

***see from the other post that you got it going***

[riptide motorsport]

I just love a happy ending!!!!!!!!