89 IROC-Z TPI 350
New Everything...it just won't start.

Valve timing is correct.
Spark plugs sparking.
Fuel injectors injecting.
Spark timing correct (for sure).

I crank and crank and it's the same thing...it really tries to start, I can hear it firing, it just won't go and ends up flooding the engine.

Is it possible that my rocker arms are too tight??

I tightened them till I couldn't spin the pushrod and then 3/4 turn. Maybe after the lifters had been sitting for a long period they weren't 'pumped up' like they are now.

Any ideas??

I'm just frustreaded after building my first engine and not being able to get it started.

 

Sounds like you're on the right track with the rockers.

 

What kinda cam are you running? Since you say you built the motor, you might have put a more radical cam in but you didn't mention either way. When I put my 350 in, with a 218/224 duration at .050 cam, I had to run way more timing then factory for it to even start. I have to run at least 20 degrees of base for it to even idle. You might give that a try.

 

More than likely you have the distributor out of whack. Pull no.1 plug and get it on a compression stroke, the rotor should be facing the no.1 wire on the distributor. Put your finger on the spark plug hole and have some one crank the engine until you start to feel pressure build. This will also give you some idea of how tight the valves are.

 

Well, I'm at it again this morning. I loosened up the rocker arms just a bit. But when I took off the valve cover I could easily spin the pushrods, to the valves that were closed, before loosening them up slightly.

I do have a bit more cam in there than the original. I belive that my cam specs are 118/124 with 112' LSA too. I tried giving it more advance but it still won't start.

I worked on the ignition timing all day yesterday and I'm sure that it's not 180 out of phase. It really wants to fire...it just won't.

Any other ideas?

 

Make sure your firing order is correct. Check all ignition parts and inspect for anything cracked or broken. Check your ignition wires possibly in the dark for arcing also. Later dudes.

 

A quick compression check will tell ya if the valves are working properly. Compression may be a little low due to the rings not being seated, but shouldn't effect it too much.
If ya got fuel, air, compression and a spark at the right time, it should run..
How's the fuel pressure?
No huge vacuum leaks?

 

I finally got it started!!!!

Turns out...even after loosening the rockers once...they were still too tight and I wasn't getting any compression.

Thanks for the help all.