Hello,

I am in the process of completing a frame off restoration of my 92 Camaro. I rebuilt the engine over the winter using mostly new components, however the engine will not fire up. At first i was getting loud backfires when turning the engine over but once i changed the timing to try and fix it, i now get no backfiring and it still wont start. The car is still on jackstands so i cant drive it anywhere to have it looked at. The car is still about 2-3 months from being street ready, however im itching to hear the engine start up.

Id like to offer someone $100 for a couple hours help getting it started or identifying the cause of the no-start. it could be somethign simple im missing and be done in a short time.

Please PM me or reply if this is something you can help with.

Engine is a carberuted 350 SBC - spark plugs are getting spark, carb is getting fuel but i believe it is a timing issue.

I live in Plaistow,NH, which is right on the MA/NH border.

 

Go back thru the basics. Set number one cylinder top dead center and adjust distributor, keeping eye on balancer position. Use timing light to verify as you attempt startup. Carb may need jetted right for cold start but as long as timing is somewhat ball park it should fire. Starter fluid may help

 

Thanks for the help

Here's what im seeing-

I have # 1 on TDC of compression stroke, distributor piointed at #1. I pulled the #1 plug when trying to start it and confirmed its firing, however its bone dry as if its not getting fuel. At first when i tried to start it, if i kept turning it over, fuel will spill out from the top of the carb. I added a fuel pressure regulator to keep it at 5.5 however that didnt work.

Not sure if it matters but i notice that when #1 is at TDC the balancer doesnt match up with the timing mark, however its definitely at TDC.

 

180* out of time?

 

Yeah number 1 reaches tdc 2 times in the cycle, one is firing one is not. If you had it at tdc with exhaust valve open it wont fire. You need to have rockers set right and then put number 1 cyl at tdc when both valves are closed. Easy way to find this is take out plug and turn motor over by hand and either have someone with finger over plug hole feeling for compression, or plug it with paper towel and wait til it pops out. Then you know is approaching tdc on fire stroke.

Balancer marks should start to match up with the tab

 

How far off is the balancer mark from the tab?
CC carb or aftermarket?
Orr89--
If it's correct at TDC, distributor off a tooth or so?

 

Yeah likely a tad off. Mine wouldnt start and would backfire like this. I think i had the dizzy a tooth out or had number 1 cyl at tdc not on a firing stroke so wouldnt fire

 

the balancer mark is about 3 inches off when at TDC.

its an Edelbrock 750

 

I will give this a shot tonight.

thanks for your help!

 

I started all over and set tdc, reset the distributor and when i turned it over i got the backfiring again, which I guess is better than getting nothing.
I noticed that when I turn it over gas comes flying out the top of the carb. Not just a little but literally spraying out. I have the fuel regulator set to 4 lbs of pressure so I wouldn't think that should be happening.
I also noticed the gas seemed a little dark at first. I hate saying it but almost like it had some oil in it.
It's getting closer but i can't keep turning it over because the header may catch on fire from the backfiring and has will be all over the engine bay.
You guys have any ideas on what the problem may be and what my next step should be?
I appreciate the help and any ideas are more than welcome.
Thanks

 

Did you do what Orr suggested in post 5 to make sure that TDC is coming up on the compression stroke? Have a buddy put their finger in the spark plug hole and when the timing mark starts to approach, you should feel the air on your finger. If you don't, you need to spin it around again.

Pull your oil dipstick and smell it for fuel. How long has the fuel been sitting?

 

Make sure valves are properly adjusted. What kind of cam and how did you set rocker arms?

Also make sure no vacuum leaks and make sure carb is sealed to intake.

Check plug firing order and plug wires.

Keep trying timing making sure the distributor is aligned correctly

 

Can you post a pic where the gas is spraying out from?
Im guessing from the top & body of the carb..?..

 

yes, i definitely have it on the compression stroke as it blows the tp off when its starts it compression stroke.

The fuel has been in the car for about 5-6 weeks. before that the entire tank and fuel lines were empty.

 

the motor has a compcams 286h cam. my brother aligned the rocker arms but he may not have done so properly. Can i loosen them and see if that makes a difference and tighten them once its running?

I should also mention i pulled the #1 spark plug after trying to start it and noticed the plug was bone dry.

I double checked the plug wiring to make sure it ws done right.

motor -
compcams 286h cam
vortec heads, intake, comp beehive springs
edelbrock 750 carb

 

yes, right where the air cleaner sits.

 

This might sound silly but are you sure your cam is timed right? Ive seen ppl put the dots the wrong way for the timing chain and gears.

Also, as mentioned are your rocker arms set right? Do you have hydraulic lifters? Did you over tighten the rockers when setting the lash? If your positive the timing is right, the distributor is right, pull the valve cover and loosen all the rockers a bit. Then try to start it. On a fresh motor that has never been run, or oil pressure built up its hard to get this set, especially if you have never done it before.

When the valve cover is off its easy to see that both valves are closed.

Another thing you may want to try, that's a bit easier is with it set at where you believe TDC #1 is take a compression gauge ( the type you can disconnect and connect to an air compressor) Remove the shreador valve and blow air into the cylinder. If you hear excessive air out of the exhaust, intake, or both then your timing is off, or there's a valve open.

 

Carb-
If you don't have the owners manual, go to the Edelbrock site & follow the steps for set up

Is there an intank pump? If so then you need a return style regulator like Mallory 4309.
Has the carb been disassembed? If so, make sure the hardware is snug across the top. IDK how tight so be gentle!

Baffled because backfire says at least some fuel got in...??..
Speaking of--
Backfire thru carb or exhaust?

 

Backfire came out the header. I haven't disassembled the carb yet. There's no reason for gas tk come flying out the top.
I have an electric in tank pump and a mechanical pump.

 

Well, i found the problem. I pulled the carb and took it apart and the inside was a complete disaster. Thats what i get for buying a used carb off of Craigslist.

 

Nice!!! LOl that's incredibly gross! Looks like its been sitting around for a bit. haha Good find though.