Jumped Timing..???

[frankdatank01]

Well, Well, Well,

I was looking to rebuilding the 455 buick in my 70 C10 this winter. It leaks in a couple spots, I dont know the age or miles, and I just figured I'd finally rebuild one for the first time. I was planning for these in the Dec/Jan timeframe. However.......

Today, I was getting a little agressive and opening the carb up a bit going down the parkway. As I turned the corner to go into work, the ole truck dead and backfired at me.....I figured it lost fuel flow or a piece of dirt or something easy...but I was unable to get it started again.

After the insurance towed it home (thank goodness I added that extra 2.00 a month on the policy), I determine that fuel is getting to the carb (has electic fuel pump and I can see it) and I pulled the number 1 spark plug and I am getting spark (has HEI distributor).

When I try to start it sounds like it wants to start, spits and sputters but cannot get itself running. It might limp along for a couple seconds and die again. Giving it gas tries to make it better but it cant hang in there. There are no major bangs, knocks, or crashes...

Is it possible I jumped the timing chain??

Whats the best next step? I am tinkering with determining the compression stroke and finding TDC for #1 cylinder, then lifting the cap to see where the rotor sits but I dont have all the tools or prior experience...just operating on my own analysis...

Any tips or secrets of the trade??

Oh yeah, I just bought the truck 4 months ago..... but I bought it to drive to work and work on it so I am actually not too upset if I can still get it rebuilt.

Thanks for any advice....Tank