302 engine will not start.

sixtsixstang · 11-13-2008

My 302 ran great a year ago until I broke a rocker arm on the exhaust and bent a push rod on the intake of cylinder #1. After replacing parts and having others checked, I tried to start it up this past Sunday. With some difficulty, it ran. When I went to checked the timing, it was way off the scale...40 deg +!. As I turned it down, the light went out and would not come back on unless the timing was advanced again. Guessing at the timing, it ran well except for an exhaust leak. I removed the header, adjusted the gasket and let it sit for the night. I have not been able to get it to start since. I have fire on all plugs (Pertronix set up), and fuel to a 600 cfm Edlebrock. #1 cylinder on compression stroke matches TDC on timing marks which matches rotor button on #1 spark plug wire. It acts like it wants to start but just won't catch. Any suggestions welcome as I am at a loss, especially about the distributor/timing issue.

racin366 · 11-13-2008

You may have a messed up distributor gear or a problem with the chain/gears. At 40 degrees advance it shouldn't even run. I'd start by pulling the plugs and looking down in each cylinder to see if there's an obvious problem, pull the valve covers and make sure the valves are moving properly, and then check the compression.

stephenmeier · 11-13-2008

What year is it.

sixtsixstang · 11-14-2008

It is a 1978 302 4-speed in a 1966 Mustang. All valves are moving properly, cylinders are clear, and the distributor gear shows no bad wear. I haven't checked the timing chain/gears yet and hope that I won't have to go that far.

stephenmeier · 11-14-2008

I would have to say that its the timing chain and it could actully be the dis gear becuse casual wear it dosnt show any sign of war realy it looks like is fine. But its not i had the same problem a few years back.

sixtsixstang · 11-14-2008

Well it started up today. Took it around the block a few times and made a few adjustments. It wants to backfire if I open it up too much. Wish I new what the problem really was. I still have the timing issue as far as setting it with a light, but it seems to run quite well. I appreciate the comments and welcome any others about the backfire issue. Timing too low/high?

sixtsixstang · 11-15-2008

Backfire issue solved. Vaccuum line was off carb.

GOLDROADS · 11-17-2008

check the balancer to be sure it hasnt spun the outer ring.