Timing Problem - Need Help

[Rolled]

I just put in a 350 crate motor. I am having trouble getting it timed correctly. The sticker say 4 degrees but I an't get it to run there. It spits fuel out the carb if I even get close. It runs pretty wel if it is about 30 degrees before tdc (just a guess). If I get anywhere near 4 degrees, it fails to run.

What can this be?

I am pretty sure the dist is in right. How well will it run if I put tdc on the exh stroke? Pretty sure I did it right but that would be an easy fix so I am hoping


Everything is new. Distributor is rebuilt with a kit. I replaced everything except the mech weights since they did not seem to fit right...



Any ideas why it won't run close to 4 degrees?


.

 

[68MUDSTUD]

is it HEI? Is the vacuum advance connected? if it is, disconnect it and try to time it then.

 

[Blue85]

You may have mismatched harmonic balancer and crank. There are at least two different combinations and sometimes an engine swap results in the timing mark on the balancer not lining up with the tab connected to the block. One is supposed to be on the DS and the other on the PS.

Check to make sure #1 is actually close to TDC when your tabs line up. You can use the finger on the spark plug hole method or pull the oil pan and watch the #1 piston.

I solved this dilemna with some timing tape from Summit.

Also, make sure you don't have the dial on the timing light advanced.

 

[Rolled]

It is HEI. I pinched off the line to time it.


I am pretty sure its the correct balancer and the mark does line up. I put in a cardboard plug in the #1 cylinder and it blew out right before the mark lined up.

 

[68MUDSTUD]

try completely unhooking you vac advance.all you should have to do is slip it off?

 

[Rolled]

I always use vise grips to pinch off the line to set timing. Its faster since i don't have to plug the vac line. Most people just let the line hang open but that raises the idle since it has a vac leak...

I guess I'll unplug the line tomorrow and see what happens...

 

[68MUDSTUD]

thats how ive always done it, but just my two cents.