ok i just rebuilt my 82 305 and replaced the cam. i lined up the gears so the dots are ( cam sprocket at 12 o'clock and crank sprocket at 12 o'clock inline with each other) so my distributer rotor is pointing to #1 tdc. i go to startup the first time and it wont stay running...did i do something wrong? i cant get it to run long enough to set timming right.also it takes alot to get it to start at all. and it also shot a flame out of the carb at one point then i got it started and there was a knocking sound at first then it went away. please any suggestions would be helpful. maybe valve lash set wrong????

 

i also should mention i am using the stock distributer and carb till i can afford replacements. i have replaced the intake with the edelbrock performer #2101

 

Sounds like the timing is off or the sparkplug wires are not in the proper order. Are you sure your not 1 tooth off on the sprockets? I find it easier to line the marks up if I have the crank sprocket at 12:00 and the cam at 6:00 that gets the marks closer together and it's easy to see if it's one tooth off, but I also always degree in the cam too. Then rotate the engine till both marks are at 12:00 and then put in the distributor so the rotor is pointing at #1 spark plug tower.

 

yes i was definatly off by 1 tooth...damn i thought i had it. anyways i just re- adjusted the gears so im in the process of putting things back together tonight i will post back if all goes well. thanks for the help.