Bad starting @ FORD 408W - need help

[Stephan427SC]

Hi guys,
I have a FORD 408W engine in my cobra that won'Ät start or starts very bad. Here's what I use : MSD 6AL with MSD 85805 Billet Distributor, MSD Master Blaster 2 Coil, Quickfuel carb 680 cfm with electric choke and vacuum secondaries, edelbroch Victor jr. heads and intake manifold.

Here's what I already did :
Setting engine to compression TDC
new spark plugs ( Autolite 3924 )
Setting Distributor to #1
new MSD 6AL
new coil
Setting fuel bowls in carb
Fuelpressure is 6 psi

If I try to start the engine, the engine will not start and accept any throttle. Backfire through carb....

Any more ideas....?

Thanks from Germany
Stephan

[Gaz64]

Definitely TDC No. 1 Compression, and not Overlap?

Is this a new engine installation?

Backfire out carb is timing way wrong, or firing order incorrect.

I watch the rockers rocking on the opposing cylinder in the firing order (360 degrees), then bring the balancer around to 15 BTDC, then static time from there.
Usually within a degree or two on fireup.

Gary

[Stephan427SC]

Hi Gary,
yes TDC#1 compression. I checked with a whistle and the Piston is on TDC.

Engine is 5 years old and ran without Problems up to now.

Firing order is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 anti ClockWise on Distributor.

[Ron61]

I agree with what Gaz64 said. This sounds like a timing problem. Does it crank over hard or easy? Also as stated check you wires as the Windsor wiring is different from the regular FE engines. Make sure that you have the number 1 cylinder to top dead center. I normally do this by suing a long wire and letting it set on top of the piston while I crank it over slowly. When the wire just starts to go back down stop. Then make sure that your distributor is point directly to the number 1 terminal. If the engine cranks hard and slow you most likely have the timing to advanced.

Ron

[Gaz64]

Originally Posted by Stephan427SC

Hi Gary,
yes TDC#1 compression. I checked with a whistle and the Piston is on TDC.

Engine is 5 years old and ran without Problems up to now.

Firing order is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 anti ClockWise on Distributor.

Ok, piston is on TDC on your timing marks.

Turn anticlockwise to 10 BTDC.

Then static time from there.

When was the car driven last, and did it show any symptoms then?

Gary

[blykins]

Two things.....late timing or firing order wrong.

Double check firing order, 13726548 counter-clockwise.

If that's ok, pull the passenger side valve cover off. Roll the engine over until you see the exhaust valve open and close, then the intake valve open and start to close. Pay close attention to the balancer and timing pointer at this point. Rotate slowly and you will see the intake valve close, then the pointer will be getting closer to TDC. STOP rotating the engine over when the pointer is pointed at 30° BTDC.

When that's done, re-phase your rotor, pull the cap off and make sure the rotor is pointing at the #1 plug post on the distributor cap.

It should start and then you will just have to readjust the timing.

[Stephan427SC]

Hi Brent,
ok, I'll check again and watch the valves.
Wich Timing will be the best at 900 rpm idle for that engine ? I normally set them to 16° BTDC at idle. 32° at full advance.
Best,
Stephan

[blykins]

That’s a pretty good place to start. It may want 34-36 total.

Usually a backfire out carb is retarded ignition timing so I think what I suggested will work. Make sure you check the power valve in the carb to make sure it’s not blown.

[66gtk]

Keep a fire extinguisher and heavy blanket nearby. I once had a carb backfire while flooding while trying to start. I was lucky to be able to get the fire out quickly.