Car Won't Start !

smokintires · #1 (**permalink**) 05-25-2003, 08:44 PM

I could really use some help on this one. Engine is a 351w that stopped running a few days back - no spark. The engine builder put in a Pertronix Ignitor on a mechanical distributor and after having one packed in a few months ago, decided to ditch it. Just for grins, I put in a set of points and condensor and got it running, but wouldn't idle and ran very rough and backfired. I assumed it was because there was no ballast resistor. Bought an MSD drop-in distributor (no electronic box) and new set of wires. Got the car started, but ran rough. Now, it won't run at all. I'm getting spark and fuel. Re-checked timing (set statically at 15 deg. BDTC per engine builder). Swapped coil - no difference. Cleaned plugs and re-gapped to .035 - nothing. Put points distributor back in - nope. Still getting spark and gas. Plugs look pretty wet when I check them. ANY SUGGESTIONS ??? Could the plugs have packed in? Fuel pressure too high and flooding engine? Wondering if the engine builder installed a 302 cam - it's a different firing order than the 351W and didn't take notice when I pulled the wires. Thanks for any suggestions.

Mike

irrich · #2 (**permalink**) 05-25-2003, 09:23 PM

I would pull a compression check and /or check timming of cam. If you have spark and fuel all you then need is compression at the right time.

KobraKarl · #3 (**permalink**) 05-26-2003, 09:07 AM

When you dropped in the new distributor , did you maybe miss by one tooth?

KK

Ron61 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-26-2003, 10:29 AM

Mike,

If I read your post correctly your motor was running ok before you replaced the distributor. The plugs being wet would tend to make what the above posts say the problem. You have fuel and spark but they have to be at the right plug at the right time. First check and see that when the # 1 piston is TDC the rotor on your distributor is pointing to the # 1 plug wire position. If you think maybe it was wired like a 302 then just put the wires back that way and see if it starts.

Ron

smokintires · #5 (**permalink**) 05-26-2003, 07:25 PM

Well, I made a little progress today. I gave the battery a good charge and did a better job of grounding the distributor. I got the car to start, but STILL runs very rough and backfires. Definitely not running like a 302.

KK - not sure what you mean by missing one tooth - I manually turned the engine until it was 15 deg. BTDC and dropped in the distributor. I made the wire the rotor was pointing to go to the #1 spark plug. Ron - should the rotor being pointing to the #1 plug at TDC or before? What are the chances of the timing chain skipping and causing the problem?

KobraKarl · #6 (**permalink**) 05-26-2003, 07:49 PM

I guess that was a bad way to state it...have you tried retarding your distributor 8 to 10 degrees?

KK

xlr8or · #7 (**permalink**) 05-26-2003, 08:49 PM

Not wanting to be a smart a$$ or anything but are you sure your setting it up on the correct #1 cylinder.. They're not in the same location on all motors???

I know it sounds kinda stupid or obvious but sometimes that blind spot is right there in front of you where everyone else can see it..

smokintires · #8 (**permalink**) 05-27-2003, 08:30 PM

Advance is statically set at 15 deg. BTDC. #1 plug is on right side closest to radiator. Someone suggested changing the spark plugs - thought they may be pretty fouled from all the cranking and rough running. Will try that tomorrow.

smokintires · #9 (**permalink**) 05-28-2003, 08:55 PM

Problem fixed - the new plugs did the trick. Thanks for all the suggestions.