Won’t Start

[Bouncer]

Changed head gasket on my Gen 1 350/383. Installed new rockers and push rods (standard length). Adjusted rocker arms using EOIC method. Set timing to TDC #1 cylinder and dropped new MSD distributor in with rotor pointing to 5:30. Engine turns over, backfires through carb a bit but will not start. I have checked firing order and timing so many times i could do it with my eyes closed at this point. Also have new Edelbrock ANVS 2 carb. Mild RV cam. Any recommendations?

 

[Wes Harden]

Was the tdc on the compression stroke? if not your are 180* out of time on the dist. If it was turn then try turning e dist counter clockwise a little.

 

[Bouncer]

Yes sir was on compression stroke.

 

[Wes Harden]

No new timing chain? just rockers and valves ? Got a 1st gen HEI ? put that in and see if MSD module is bo.

 

[Bouncer]

Just rockers and valves. Could it be timing tab in wrong place? This one is on top (12:00). Previous sbc 350 engines I had they were on the side (2:00).

 

[76zimmer]

Did you time the engine prior to changing things using that timing tab?
not sure what 5:30 is referencing on the distributor, but is the rotor pointing to no. 1 on the cap?

 

[Bouncer]

Yes rotor is pointing to #1 on the cap. Only had the engine for a couple months before head gasket went out, so not familiar with who built it or how it was set up. Im leaning towards timing tab is not correct. Going to set TDC again without looking at timing tab and see where it lands.

 

[Kain]

If the roter was on top of balancer
Could be A 305 put it back and time it that way see if it starts

time to run the numbers on the block

 

[Bouncer]

Rotor is in rear of engine. I did run numbers its a Gen 1 350 4 bolt main. Previous owner said he had switched it to a 383, which makes me think the harmonic balancer may not match with the timing tab.

 

[centexk5]

I always use a piston stop and pull the valve cover to check it. Pull the cover and verify compression with the valve events, screw the piston stop in, spin the engine one way and mark the balancer where it stops, spin it the other way until it stops, mark the mid way point between the two points, spin the engine back until your tdc point is at that mark. Has never failed me.

 

[Wes Harden]

yes if timing tab is on top, and you needed 2 o:clock, you would be very advanced. turn the dist clockwise a bit and see if improves

 

[Bouncer]

Triple checked timing. It was at TDC when i set distributor. Engine started but backfiring through carb badly. Turn distributor counter clockwise it gets a little better but dies when accelerating. Leaning towards valve issue does that sound right?