[AmericanHorse]

Ok,
So I am attempting to start my 351w for the first time and it just keeps turning over with no ignition. Then, about 5 minutes later, after 3 or 4 attempts, the carb choke plate pops up as if the fuel got ignited inside the carburetor and a blast of smoke or atomized fuel blew out.
WTF mate?:help:
John

 

[ieatdrt]

Is this a new engine or something that's been sitting. I'd confirm that your dist. is set properly and that you're not firing 180 deg off. You can do that by pulling out the number 1 spark plug. Place your finger over the hole then crank the engine by hand until you feel compression. Then continue to spin the engine, by hand, until the piston reaches the top. Pull the dist. cap and make sure the rotor is pointed at the #1 spark plug wire post. Very common mistake to make, very common. I've done it a few times too. If you're still having trouble, confirm you are getting spark. If that's good you may have trouble with the timing chain.

 

[AmericanHorse]

thanks for the reply,
I'll go check that and get back to ya.
It is a rebuilt 351w. It has been sitting for a bit...about six months or so.

 

[AmericanHorse]

Ok,
I tried what you said and I got more response out of it.
It didn't start but I can see that I just need to perfect it.
When you say "spin the engine, by hand, until the piston reaches the top," how do you know it is at the top?

 

[STERLING351]

when you cover the spark plug hole you can feel when the compression is the highest then it will let off alittle

 

[faststang68]

PLOP PLOP is Firing order. Take out the plug closest to rad on passenger side. #1 is off somewhere. Almost there.. it'll fire soon.

 

[ieatdrt]

you can get a piston stop that threads into spark plug hole. They're pretty cheap, but if it's close you can try advancing the timing by hand a bit until it fires then tune with a timing light from there. If it's a fresh build with a new harmonic dampner the timing marks should be accurate. I'd spin it over by had, feel for compression, then go to the timing marks and line up the pointer with the 8 degree mark. Then rotate the dist. so you're rotor is pointed at the #1 post. This should fire it up. Make sure you're spinning it clockwise too.

 

[AmericanHorse]

Well fellas I got it running:happyhapp:happyhapp!!I checked and rechecked the first cylinder and then what got it was turning the distributor cap.
It ran ok for a bit then it sputtered and died.
Did that multiple times.
Any Ideas on that?
Either way, you guys are awesome and I sincerely appreciate all your help!:bigthumbsup

 

[AmericanHorse]

Ok
So I got it running and when I put it in gear and let out the clutch all the way it makes a clank sound and dies...
Now I can't get it to start at all and when it does try it ignites fuel in the carb and sets it on fire...
Also the starter will turn very slowly until it hits a certain spot and it sounds like it will start but it quits.
Any ideas?:headscratch: