Help With my crate 427 Engine Won't Start

[Gaz64]

Originally Posted by Davidless

Frustrated
I built a test stand so I could test and run my Ford 427 crate engine before the install in my SF. I recently had to replace both head gaskets because I noticed some oil seepage form the rear of both heads. Then to my dismay my oil was a bright beige in color, WOWE is me. I got the usual from the Ford performance dept… “never seen that problem in 20 years” I at least got a set of gaskets from them because it’s still under warranty.

At first, I thought the engine oil dye I used may have caused the oil color change but after letting some oil test samples set on my counter for a week, I can see some water separation at the top.

After taking my utmost time in changing out the gaskets and adjusting the rocker lash, and re assembling I cannot get this thing to start, it does the typical backfire and flame through the carburetor (timing was not off 180). I quadrupole checked TDC and alignment on #1 cylinder with the rotor cap, plugs are wet, and all valves are opening and closing, plus checked for spark, everything good.

I talked to an engine builder buddy from work and we both are now thinking it might be the Progression electronic distributor/ignition as a possible cause. I talked to them, but they don’t feel its their problem, but I can send it back for them to check.

This just doesn’t make sense. I dressed the engine up from the crate long block and it started right up, and I ran it many times for about 2 months. I was so impressed it would start with 2 pumps within 1 crank, better than fuel injection, so I thought.

Wires were installed as a unit with the cap when assembling so it’s not a wire mix up problem. I’m thinking of sending the ignition/dist. back to see if they can check it, and possibly installing a mechanical type for trouble shooting or eliminating this variable.
Not sure what else to try.

David

This is the first clue. Electronic curves are calculated after a reference angle. Each spark event is a "retard", because of the module calculation, but it appears as an advance curve.
The reference angle is typically 50-70 degrees BTDC.
Are you sure you are following your distributor alignment procedure correctly?

[jhv48]

It’s a timing issue. You’ve got fuel, air and spark. The spark isn’t being delivered at the right time.

[Davidless]

Originally Posted by jhv48

It’s a timing issue. You’ve got fuel, air and spark. The spark isn’t being delivered at the right time.

Yes, I agree because everything checks out. I'm going to try a mechanical dist to rule out my electronic progression dist.

[rustyrims]

Are you using the 351 or 302 firing order? their different.
most cam manufactures use the 5.0 HO firing order

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by bobcowan

If it is backfiring through the intake, then it is firing while the intake valve is open.

Originally Posted by rustyrims

Are you using the 351 or 302 firing order? their different.
most cam manufactures use the 5.0 HO firing order

I wonder if the two are related... Worth checking.

[fordsrule@msn.com]

I know you are talking about a 427 sb , I have a ford racing 347 the firing order is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8