sbc wont start-am i missing something - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lowlyfec10 · 03-12-2014, 07:32 PM

swapped a 86 350 in with new plugs, brand new edelbrock 600 with new filters and hoses. already had hei swap and ran with old motor and changed nothing but replaced the wire for the hei connector (previous owner hacked up wiring). i checked for spark last night and saw spark...not today (maybe bad contact or too bright to see?) but im going to retry once it gets dark again. i know i have fuel, brand new strong optima battery with new battery cables. only thing is i dont have the front end on the truck so the rest of the harness is loose and unattached. is there something im missing? i just wanted to hear this motor run for a second before i throw everything back together.

and when i put the distributor back in, the rotor faces the #1 coil roughly at the 0degree mark on the crank, and i put the wires on in order. so if i recheck when its dark and have spark, next step?

BluTrukker · 03-13-2014, 04:44 AM

When yo put the distributed back in, was the engine at TDC?

chuckmc8 · 03-13-2014, 05:25 AM

First, did you note the position of the rotor button when you pulled the dist? If you did, and you haven't turned the engine, just put it back where it came out. Next, on the dist there are two wire terminals TACH and IGN. Make sure you have solid 12V at the ign term on the coil. HTH

Daman · 03-13-2014, 06:29 AM

It shouldn't have to be dark to see spark from an HEI. Even with direct sunlight you should be able to hear it.

Pull power from distributor, pull #1 plug, stick your finger or a shop rag in the hole, turn it over until it blows out, check for TDC on balancer, move it if off, pull the cap and position #1 wire where rotor is facing, 18436572, add power back to distributor and fire then time

burnin oil · 03-14-2014, 09:37 AM

^^^
You can definatly see the spark during the day. When I need to rough time a motor I drop the dizzy in and wire it all up with the motor at TDC. Throw a timing light on #1 and give a quick twist of the dizzy housing until the timing light goes off. That will get it real close. With a dial back light I set it for 15* then twist the distributer.

**LockDoc** · 03-14-2014, 10:41 AM

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Do you have the wire that went from the battery to the junction block on the inner fender connected to a hot source? I think it will have to be connected before it will start.

LockDoc

burnin oil · 03-14-2014, 02:23 PM

^^
Good point. I removed that from my truck and hooked the feed to the starter like the newer trucks. I forgot all about that block.

03-13-2014, 04:44 AM	#2
BluTrukker BOHICA Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Stewartville, MN Posts: 440	Re: sbc wont start-am i missing something When yo put the distributed back in, was the engine at TDC? __________________ Trying to save someone from their own stupidity is like teaching a pig to dance. It is a waste of your time, and it annoys the pig!

03-13-2014, 05:25 AM	#3
chuckmc8 It's alsways something..... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Douglasville GA Posts: 1,171	Re: sbc wont start-am i missing something First, did you note the position of the rotor button when you pulled the dist? If you did, and you haven't turned the engine, just put it back where it came out. Next, on the dist there are two wire terminals TACH and IGN. Make sure you have solid 12V at the ign term on the coil. HTH __________________ 1968 RS Camaro 'Vert Matching number 327 and M21 Muncie 1968 C10 Black with red interior and orig paint. 5.3 / 4l60e,3:73 POSI 17" Torq Thrusts 1968 CST 514 Red with black interior. Buddy Buckets, Factory A/C, PS, PB- 20" AR custom shop TT, 5.3 and 4l60e

03-13-2014, 06:29 AM	#4
Daman Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Billings Montana Posts: 183	Re: sbc wont start-am i missing something It shouldn't have to be dark to see spark from an HEI. Even with direct sunlight you should be able to hear it. Pull power from distributor, pull #1 plug, stick your finger or a shop rag in the hole, turn it over until it blows out, check for TDC on balancer, move it if off, pull the cap and position #1 wire where rotor is facing, 18436572, add power back to distributor and fire then time

03-14-2014, 09:37 AM	#5
burnin oil Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Eastern TN Posts: 1,921	Re: sbc wont start-am i missing something ^^^ You can definatly see the spark during the day. When I need to rough time a motor I drop the dizzy in and wire it all up with the motor at TDC. Throw a timing light on #1 and give a quick twist of the dizzy housing until the timing light goes off. That will get it real close. With a dial back light I set it for 15* then twist the distributer.

03-14-2014, 10:41 AM	#6
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,420	Re: sbc wont start-am i missing something - Do you have the wire that went from the battery to the junction block on the inner fender connected to a hot source? I think it will have to be connected before it will start. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

03-12-2014, 07:32 PM	#1
lowlyfec10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Duluth, GA Posts: 314	sbc wont start-am i missing something swapped a 86 350 in with new plugs, brand new edelbrock 600 with new filters and hoses. already had hei swap and ran with old motor and changed nothing but replaced the wire for the hei connector (previous owner hacked up wiring). i checked for spark last night and saw spark...not today (maybe bad contact or too bright to see?) but im going to retry once it gets dark again. i know i have fuel, brand new strong optima battery with new battery cables. only thing is i dont have the front end on the truck so the rest of the harness is loose and unattached. is there something im missing? i just wanted to hear this motor run for a second before i throw everything back together. and when i put the distributor back in, the rotor faces the #1 coil roughly at the 0degree mark on the crank, and i put the wires on in order. so if i recheck when its dark and have spark, next step?

03-14-2014, 02:23 PM	#7
burnin oil Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Eastern TN Posts: 1,921	Re: sbc wont start-am i missing something ^^ Good point. I removed that from my truck and hooked the feed to the starter like the newer trucks. I forgot all about that block.



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