302 problems

dmoore · #1 (**permalink**) 04-29-2005, 04:37 AM

I got a 67 mustang with a crate engine. Just had the 1st chance to start it. Did not go at I wanted, never does. Timing was not right. Had some backfire. I am now close with the timing and the car started pretty good. After the car ran a little it seems hard to start and keep running. Everything was new. Just wondering if I should be looking at the plugs since the car is having a rough time starting and staying idled now. Will backfire cause my plugs to go bad. I am thinking about having a shop take over at this point but it seems wrong since I did the whole car myself.

Just looking for some direction.

Ron61 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-29-2005, 04:57 AM

You can check the plugs and after all they have been through that is probably not a bad idea. But the fact it is still hard to start and doesn't seem to run right would still seem to point to a timing problem. If it will start and doesn't want to keep running, look at your fule feed and carb. The backfires could have messed up the carb. If it is hard to turn over after getting hot, check the starter connections, and you may have to go to a heavier starter, especially if that one is near any headers or getting any heat from the exhausts.

Ron

turnpike boy · #3 (**permalink**) 04-29-2005, 05:44 AM

Be CERTAIN you have the plug wires right...that is, make sure you check wires coming off the cap are going to the correct plug/cylinder.

Easy to mess up - check this very, very carefully.

Guinness · #4 (**permalink**) 05-03-2005, 12:48 PM

Are you sure the Cam is a 302 Cam and not a 351W Cam? I've seen this happen to several guys before.

I hope it's an easy fix,
Jeff

HighPlainsDrifter · #5 (**permalink**) 05-03-2005, 12:57 PM

Hi,
You said the engine backfired, so it may have blown out the power valve in the carb metering block if it's a holley.
Perry.

CobraEd · #6 (**permalink**) 05-03-2005, 01:34 PM

I think that the "old" 302 firing order is even different than the newer 5.0 firing order. Isn't the 302 the same as a 351?

So, if you have a 5.0 cam, the firing order is one way, if you have a 302 cam, it is another way.

Ed

G.R. · #7 (**permalink**) 05-03-2005, 09:27 PM

351 firing order is different than the older 289-302 by a long shot. Don't know for sure about the 5.0 but I think it is different also.

427sharpe · #8 (**permalink**) 05-04-2005, 05:45 AM

OLD 289-302 FIRING ORDER 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8, 351W AND 302HO FIRING ORDER 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. CHECK YOUR CAM CARD, IT SHOULD TELL YOU WHICH FO TO USE. THE CYLINDERS ARE NUMBERED SEQUENTIALLY, 1-2-3-4 ON THE PASS SIDE FRONT TO REAR, AND 5-6-7-8 ON THE DRIVERS SIDE.