trying to start for first time. Backfiring...
 

So it keeps backfiring when I try to start the engine. I haven't been able to get it to catch.
I have a 235 with an 848 head, an HEI dist. and dual Rochester 1bbl's(rebuilt). New plugs @.35 and new wires.
I am getting spark, and I have fuel getting to the carbs.
When I put new gasket in, and installed the new dist. I set cyl. 1 to TDC.
I have the plug wires going around the dist. in a clockwise direction firing cylinders 1, 5, 3, 6, 2, 4.
It seems like the second carb in the fuel line(closest to firewall) is the one backfiring.

Any ideas what my problem is(with the engine)?

Re: trying to start for first time. Backfiring...
 

Did you confirm that #1 was on the compression stroke?

Re: trying to start for first time. Backfiring...
 

I'm 99% sure it was. I did it with a compression test gauge. And my borescope.

Re: trying to start for first time. Backfiring...
 

Yep, How did you determine that you had #1 up on the compression stroke?

By cranking the engine over with the starter and letting compression blow against your finger in the spark plug hole?
By checking the rockers to see that both valves are closed and the timing mark is showing in the hole?

By rotating the engine by hand before the head on and getting the #1 piston to tdc and dropping the distributor in?

If it is #3 there is that chance that you had it on tdc on the exhaust stroke rather than the compression stroke and have it 180 degrees out.

I'd pull #1 plug (the front one) and crank the engine over with my finger over the plug hole to make sure that the rotor is actually pointing to #1 when you get it up on TDC. If it is go to step 2 which would be figuring out why it backfires only on the back carb. If it isn't, correct that issue and see if it starts.

Re: trying to start for first time. Backfiring...
 

Alright. I'm back to TDC by feeling the air blow out of the spark plug hole as I turn the engine over, then fine tuned with my borescope to get the piston right at the top.
Pulled the top off the distributor, and this is what it looks like. Where I drew the #1 is roughly where the contact for the #1 cyl. is.
I'm not certain, but it looks to be almost 180 degrees off. Am I not on the compression stroke.
Am I seeing that right, and what's the best way to get it in the right position?
Should I pull the dist. and spin it by hand, or can I just rotate the top piece by hand?

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps9339da16.jpg

Re: trying to start for first time. Backfiring...
 

It appears that you have it set on the exhaust stroke rather than the compression stroke.

Re: trying to start for first time. Backfiring...
 

Ok you now have the engine number I cyl at TDC on the compression stroke. Simply place number one spark plug wire where the rotor is pointing and go from there. the engine wont care which position the distrubeter and rotor are located. It only want,s spark to ocuur when it has compressed fuel in the cyl with the valves closed. Ive simply moved the plug wites around on lots of engines. Ive probably made some other mechanic pull their hair out when changing the plug wires or dist cap:devil:

Re: trying to start for first time. Backfiring...
 

Yep pull it out just enough so you can spin the rotor 180

Re: trying to start for first time. Backfiring...
 

I like Old Truck Man's method.

Re: trying to start for first time. Backfiring...
 

Sweet. Thanks guys.

Re: trying to start for first time. Backfiring...
 

If you checked the timing marks and they are lined up then switch the wires so #1 is at the end of the rotor. If the marks are not there and you are not concerned about ever using a timing light, then switch the wires and set it using a vacuum gauge and your ear. Advance it until it starts to fall off a little, then pull it back a few degrees. Take it for a spin to see how it does under load and at 2K rpm. If it feels good, ok if not fiddle with it until it does. Every engine is a little different and has a sweet spot. I'd think about replacing that rotor in a while too looks like it might be arcing. I'm like Old Truck Man, follow your instincts.

Re: trying to start for first time. Backfiring...
 

get it fired back up yet?

Re: trying to start for first time. Backfiring...
 

It's trying hard. It will hit on a couple cylinders then act like it seized up. I'll try again, but it only fires a couple times.
I did find a 5/8" hole in my intake manifold that I forgot to plug. So I'll put a bolt in there and see if I can find any other issues.