Ok so I have checked timing, fuel, and spark, all 3 are right. But the son of a ***** just does not want to fire. I am lost. Yesterday, it was shooting fireballs out of the carb and headers(i don't have mufflers on at the moment). Today, not even a sign of life, no sputter, or even a single fireball. I even took the spark plug out of #1 cylinder to find true TDC and timed the distributor from there. Checked spark at the plug, and it was a nice blue spark. And there is fuel coming from the jets in the carburetor. I even readjusted my valve lash because i screwed it up the first time. I am banging my head on the wall trying to figure this thing out. If anybody has any suggestions, please, feel free to share.

 

Fuel- air? Fireballs out of carb could be a timing thing, maybe its retarded 180 TDC? Just some thoughts.

 

I with the 180 out or a tooth off. Definitely a timing issue.

 

ya its timing, maybe the timing chain is worn, not sure how many miles are on the motor. or maybe the jets are too rich and its poring too much fuel in and burning all the the stroke and out through the exhaust manifold. I would figure it would choke out at that point but weirder stuff happen.

 

What all did you do to the engine in the first place? Is this a new development from a running engine, or did you have things apart and just finished putting it back together. With flames shooting out, it's either a cam/valve adjustment, or ignition timing issue. Also check to make sure you don't have your plug wires crossed. Time to retrace all your steps.
YouTube - How to Install Distributor Video-Engine Building Repair DVD
YouTube - Engine Ignition: Wiring Distributor & Spark Plugs Video- DVD

 

Check the firing order on the plug wires first. Once it's right, then have someone crank the engine while you turn the distributor a few degrees each way to see if it catches. If that doesn't work, check the valve adj. again. Sounds like you may have tried too many things at one time, so maybe multiple issues are giving you headaches.

 

I figured it out. The timing was flipped 180, and as soon as I put it the right way, she fired right up. And I do think it was a case of doing too many things at once. But now, I have a running 383 stroker and she sounds mean. I started it with open headers too, I never thought something could be so loud in my life.

 

LOL My solid roller 355 sounded like WAR. 13.5:1 and big tube headers.

 

i wish i knew specs on mine haha, i bought the car with the motor already built, no idea what compression it has, but i know it has upgraded pistons, and the cam is a .490 lift, but i dont know the duration and its a solid flat tappet lifter as well. sounds mean as hell with open headers tho

 

That was my old motor. RIP