maksik7

Alright guys, I tried asking this question once but got only one answer. It was good but I need something more in depth.

Anyways here's the situation, I have a 305 with a Q-Jet and a mechanical distributor. I put everything in, wired everything up and the **** backfired on me through the carb. Anyways I know it's a problem with my timing so can somebody PLEASE take some time, read through what I did and please correct me...

-I pulled #1 plug, turned the crank until I felt compression on my finger, then alligned the groove on the harmonic balancer to the 0* mark on the indicator.
-Next I pointed the rotor between the #1 & #8 spot on the distributor cap (as the manual said). The rotor was pointing directly down the middle towards the front of the car. I inserted the distributor in, but the rotor got moved maybe 15* while I was meshing the gears together.
-Then I hooked everything back up, fired it up and I got a nasty backfire

So where is my problem guys? This thing is getting me very frustrated as this is the only thing left before I can drive my baby again.

Thanks for the help guys,
-Max

BTW I tried following the manual on how to do this three different times, and the same backfire every time. Could this have damaged anything.

bjm323

When you put the distributor in, where does the rotor end up pointing? Should be lined up with the #1 terminal in the cap. You may have to use a long screwdriver to turn the oil pump shaft so you can get everything lined up correctly. Sounds to me like the distributor is off.

32789RS

I agree I would turn the oil pump shaft so that when the distributor drops in, it is pointing at the #1 cylinder, and watch when you put the cap on, the terminal that the rotor is pointing at will be where you put your #1 plug wire.

dimented24x7

iTrader: (2)

yeah... just stick a long (clean) flat head screw driver in and turn the oil pump till it mates witht he dist at the location you want. I even put mine few degrees ahead to help with starting.

maksik7

Thanks guys,

I will do that 1st thing tommorow morning and will let everybody know how it turned out. Also does anybody know if a few backfires could have damaged the carb, I think I read somewhere that they can?

-Max

32789RS

I wouldn't worry about a backfire hurting the carb, unless it's an older holley with out a power valve saver, if it were then it might have blown the power valve, but I don't think you have to worry with your Q-jet.

Riley's35089rs+

if #1 is at TDC just move the wires on the cap so #1 is whaere the rotor is pointing...simple, no need to be poking around with a screwdriver.....then make sure your firing order is correct, its very easy to mix up...

82Trans Man

Almost sounds like the timing is off 180 make sure the dampner is deffinatly at #1 cylinder tdc instead of sparking on the exhaust stroke. Just a possibility if it won't even start.

maksik7

Well it started. I turned the gear with a screwdriver like you guys said and it came out pointing exactly at #1. Dropped the screwdriver in the dist hole though, had a fun time getting it out . Anyways I set the timing with car running, filled up all the fluids and I'm ready to go for a test drive now. Just one last question:

I started the car up and it started smoking from the tranny dipsitic tube almost right away. Now what could be causing this? I put a little less then 5 qts in the tranny like the book said. The only problem is that my tranny dipstick is a rubber coolant hose instead of the factory steel, could it be melting and casuing this?

Thanks for the help everybody, I'm already in the process of rebuilding my blown 350 to be bigger and better by the end of the summer.

-Max