Findinging TDC and setting Distrib on rebuilt Engine
Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2019 9:43 pm
I haven't asked a question in a number of years -- but here goes.
I have 20 years of experience with Marinette's, and 318/360's. I have torn many down to parade rest.
My current 32' has twin 1989 360's, and I had to replace my STBD engine (long story).
I ordered and obtained a rebuilt 360 long block LH-- they used the Crankshaft from my old engine, but block and heads were rebuilt from other sources by the vendor (with great credentials). The cam shaft is new.
Once I received the Long Block, I reassembled with previous intake manifold (previously tested), recent exhaust man and risers, Prestolite Distributor with mechanical advance, and the previous Chrysler Ignition system. (Also new cap, rotor, wires, plugs). I totally cleaned the distributor and mechanical advance.
I rebuilt the Rochester 4BL Quadrajet carb.
To make a VERY long story short, I am now trying to start the engine. I have tested for good spark (new coil), and good fuel (new pump).
After much issue, I found that I had set the distributor and timing 180 degrees out. I moved the wires to meet the firing order (I did NOT remove and reinstall the distributor).
I am now getting some firing, then much gasoline backfiring through the carb primaries, and the engine STOPS. It never actually starts, even for seconds.
I replaced my rebuilt carb with the carb off my (operational) port engine -- I made NO CHANGES. Absolutely the same result.
So, I don't think it's Fuel or Carburation (Air), and I have good spark.
I think I don't have the distributor positioned correctly, or close to proper timing. Right now, I have the distributor #1 plug position about 180 degrees away from where I remember it physically being with the old LH engine.
I think the problem is distributor position /timing. How best do I set this with an installed engine?
Or -- Anyone a different idea? I am open to All!
I live in Annapolis, and the boat is stuck on the other side of the Chesapeake Bay in Rock Hall, so I want to get it back home ASAP!.
Thanks for any thoughts. I know you are all very smart people!
Bud
I have 20 years of experience with Marinette's, and 318/360's. I have torn many down to parade rest.
My current 32' has twin 1989 360's, and I had to replace my STBD engine (long story).
I ordered and obtained a rebuilt 360 long block LH-- they used the Crankshaft from my old engine, but block and heads were rebuilt from other sources by the vendor (with great credentials). The cam shaft is new.
Once I received the Long Block, I reassembled with previous intake manifold (previously tested), recent exhaust man and risers, Prestolite Distributor with mechanical advance, and the previous Chrysler Ignition system. (Also new cap, rotor, wires, plugs). I totally cleaned the distributor and mechanical advance.
I rebuilt the Rochester 4BL Quadrajet carb.
To make a VERY long story short, I am now trying to start the engine. I have tested for good spark (new coil), and good fuel (new pump).
After much issue, I found that I had set the distributor and timing 180 degrees out. I moved the wires to meet the firing order (I did NOT remove and reinstall the distributor).
I am now getting some firing, then much gasoline backfiring through the carb primaries, and the engine STOPS. It never actually starts, even for seconds.
I replaced my rebuilt carb with the carb off my (operational) port engine -- I made NO CHANGES. Absolutely the same result.
So, I don't think it's Fuel or Carburation (Air), and I have good spark.
I think I don't have the distributor positioned correctly, or close to proper timing. Right now, I have the distributor #1 plug position about 180 degrees away from where I remember it physically being with the old LH engine.
I think the problem is distributor position /timing. How best do I set this with an installed engine?
Or -- Anyone a different idea? I am open to All!
I live in Annapolis, and the boat is stuck on the other side of the Chesapeake Bay in Rock Hall, so I want to get it back home ASAP!.
Thanks for any thoughts. I know you are all very smart people!
Bud