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New engine...wont run?

ak bandit

ak bandit

1/2 ton status
Joined
Sep 10, 2004
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Location
Eagle River, Alaska
Background;
Okay, It's not really a new engine, its just new for me. Rebuilt 396 with 500 miles on it. I have a used Edelbrock Performer electric choke carb (600cfm) mounted on the intake. The carb worked fine when I pulled it off my old 350. I'm using an Accel distributor with points. New cap, new plugs, and new plug wires. Also has a new Holley mechanical fuel pump.
I'm fairly certain that I have everything wired up correctly. But when I turn the key, it fires but it wont run. Same thing every time I turn the key. When it fires, its healthy sounding. I know its getting fuel because I can see it in the filter. I'm just not sure if its getting enough fuel. Sorry for the vague question, but does this sound like an igntion/timing problem or does it sound like a fuel/carb problem? Let me know if more info is needed.
 
Are you shure that when you installed the dizzy that the #1 cylinder was at Top Dead Center of the compression stroke, and the rotor was pointing toward #1 cylinder? Are you shure you have the right firing order, and #5 & #7 plug wires aren't switched up? Just checking the basics..
 
I'm pretty sure that I installed the distributor with #1 at TDC. Of course, it was my first time so I could be wrong. What will it do if you dont have TDC? I'm postive I have the firing order correct. Because I switched the plug wires 180 degrees and then switched them back. When I switched them 180 degrees it wouldnt fire at all. It just kept revving the starter. But when I switched them back it fired again.
 
It sounds to me like you have a carb adjustment problem. Have tried pumping the fuel pedal? any differance? have you made any adjustments since you took it off the 350?
 
almost sounds like the timming is retarded. Have you tried advancing it while having someone start it to get it right?

Also that carb will not keep it from running (as far as the cfm) but it is real small for that motor. I would go with a 750 personally
 
I havent made any adjustments since the 350. And I was just thinking about that. With this engine being more cubic inches, could the mixture be too lean?
 
I was also thinking that the timing could be retarded too much. How much adjustment do I have in the distributor? An inch either way?
 
you can turn that thing over 1/4 turn as long as your not hitting anything turn it. however if you have to turn it that much it's probrably a tooth off.
 
ak bandit said:
Background;
Okay, It's not really a new engine, its just new for me. Rebuilt 396 with 500 miles on it. I have a used Edelbrock Performer electric choke carb (600cfm) mounted on the intake. The carb worked fine when I pulled it off my old 350. I'm using an Accel distributor with points. New cap, new plugs, and new plug wires. Also has a new Holley mechanical fuel pump.
I'm fairly certain that I have everything wired up correctly. But when I turn the key, it fires but it wont run. Same thing every time I turn the key. When it fires, its healthy sounding. I know its getting fuel because I can see it in the filter. I'm just not sure if its getting enough fuel. Sorry for the vague question, but does this sound like an igntion/timing problem or does it sound like a fuel/carb problem? Let me know if more info is needed.
Click to expand...

Does it die when you back the key from the "start" position to the "run" position? Or does it run somewhat after?
 
It doesnt run at all. It stops firing as soon as I turn the key to off.
Okay...I'm looking at my Edelbrock Performer carb and my secondaries are wide open right now....just sitting there. They should be closed right? Also there's no tension on them at all. I can flip them open and closed with no resistance? :1zhelp:
 
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Okay...I just confirmed that my #1 is at TDC. I also checked to make sure all plug wires are connected in the right order. So I can rule that out as the culprit. I still dont think my carb is functioning properly. I'm stumped :confused:
 
I would check 2 things first off... turn your key on and check for power at the positive side of the coil...

if that checks out, try squirting some gas down the carb and see if it runs... When you move the throttle do you see the carb squirting gas in the primaries?
 
ryoken, I checked my coil last night and I am getting power to it. I checked and rechecked all the wiring and everything seems to have power.

I havent tried putting gas straight into the carb yet. I'll try that tonight. Also, I noticed that my fuel filter isnt completely filled with fuel. Shouldnt it be closer to 100% full with maybe some air bubbles? Here's a picture of it right now.

CIMG06262.jpg
 
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