Can't get 'er started.
 

Hey dudes.
I'm just stumped. I can't get my truck started after i made all my modifications. I got a 4-barrel holley and a 4-barrel manifold put on my sbc400, and now she wont start. I probably have the timing so far out of whack, but also it might be the ebay carburetor.

i have the spark plug cables in the right firing order, with the one plug on the drivers side of the HEI coil guy and then clockwise 1-8-6-4...

any tips? anything i probably forgot. Its getting spark and fuel.

thanks guys.

:smoke:

Re: Can't get 'er started.
 

if its getting spark and fuel id say it has to be the timing. really what else could it be?

Re: Can't get 'er started.
 

firing order is 1 8 4 3 6 5 7 2....

Re: Can't get 'er started.
 

I just rattled the one i wrote off the top of my head. ill check it again, but im 99% sure its right.

Re: Can't get 'er started.
 

Try spraying some starter fluid, if you get popping then your timing should be close enough, if you don't get a popping sound than i would look at the distributer and timing.

-Chris

Re: Can't get 'er started.
 

i get popping. then i get a fore-fire, which usually scares the bejesus out of me.

Re: Can't get 'er started.
 

Make sure you wired in the direction the rotor's spinning (I wired a friend's Olds backwards once)

Re: Can't get 'er started.
 

im beginning to question my carburetor. it was a $40 holley off ebay. it could be boned.

Re: Can't get 'er started.
 

Timing will trump the carb

Re: Can't get 'er started.
 

you could have it 180 out if its doin the whole fireball thing

Re: Can't get 'er started.
 

I'd just find tdc on cylinder 1 and make sure the rotor is pointing where the number 1 plug wire goes to. I'm betting you're 180 out
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Re: Can't get 'er started.
 

180 out...

Re: Can't get 'er started.
 

Well the rotor does not have to point to num 1 cyl. As log ans you have TDC on compression stroke.......start wires on the cap where the rotor button is pointing. Ive dont it more times than i can count with out takeing my shoes off! just my .02 cents.

Re: Can't get 'er started.
 

Take the driver side valve cover off and turn it over until both valve springs on number one are unsprung. This means both valves are closed and you are at TDC. The timing mark on the balancer should line up with the timing tab. Drop the distributor in with the rotor pointing toward number one spark plug ( or close) and make a mark on the distributor case where the rotor is facing. If the distributor doesn't drop in all the way just get it in don't freak out as long as it's close ( like 1/4 inch from going in). If you bump the starter the rotor will turn and drop in the oil pump slot. Make sure number one plug wire is at the same spot the rotor was when you first dropped in the distributor. Then double check 18436572. Double check 12v at HEI (not on the tach connector). Snug the hold down clamp slightly, turn the distributor so it's some what sraight. Prime the carb with fuel and hit the key.

Re: Can't get 'er started.
 

a much more simple way of doing this is to remove number 1 spark plug place your thumb or finger in the spark plug hole and bump the engine a little at a time until you feel the pressure push your finger out of the hole, check your timing marks and using a 5/8 socket rotate the mark to TDC now pop your cap and start your wiring clockwise 18436572 from the nearest wire tower the rotor is pointing toward, if you need to advance the timing move the dizzy counterclockwise or clockwise if you need to retard ohhh and dont forget to reinstall your spark plug hope this helps

Re: Can't get 'er started.
 

Ya I've done it that way too. Takes 5 seconds to pull the cover then you're 100%. I'd be more inclined to crack a plug I guess. Lol
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Re: Can't get 'er started.
 

Dudes. You're awesome.
Just got the beast started. Delmo, your method was spot on. Thanks a ton.

Now I gotta get it to a muffler shop for a new exhaust. Would y'all discourage driving it a few miles with only headers? will I burn up a valve or two? Because that would be no bueno.

~CR

Re: Can't get 'er started.
 

Glad it worked out for ya, keep the heel to the steel.