ok gusy i just put a 350 carbed engine in my car and i need to know how to set the timming up to just initially start the engine for the first time and run it at 2000 rpm for 20 mins without and probs. thanks

 

Turn the engine by hand or with the starter in the normal direction (not backwards) until the engine is set at exactly the point you want #1 to fire (6° BTDC @ #1 firing, or whatever). Drop the dist in correctly; make sure it's engaging the oil pump drive rod; tighten the hold-down bolt as tight as you can yet still be able to turn the housing. Lift the dist shaft up as far as it will go, and turn it CCW against the cam gear as far as it will go. Hold it there; rotate the dist body CCW while watching the "star wheel" teeth, set it just past (as you move it CCW) the point at which the teeth line up. Assemble the dist, shoot a few drops of gas into the intake, reach through the window and crank it up.

 

ok well be4 i read this me and my dad tried the start it and it just keeps turnin over and not fireing up, we have spark and gas and everything, we think we might have the dist. in so its firein on 1 but 6 is sopposed to be fireing so we don;t know how to tell? do u know how to tell? thanks

 

Take out the #1 plug; put a finger over the hole; bump the motor with the starter; when you feel compression, the next time the timing mark comes up, it's #1 firing.

 

Make sure you take the power off of the coil when you do this. 30 years ago, I obtained a burnt fingertip and bruised elbow & head when trying that with the coil still hooked up.