I got the 383 in and ready to go. I put it at 0TDC and for some reason if I retard the timing while my friend is trying to stqart the car it wants to start but just doesnt seem to catch. What should I check?

 

I'd reverify plug wire routing, assuming it's actually at "0". Have you reached a point when you continue to retard it, that it just spins over quickly and has no "catch" to it?

 

I did that and no difference. Now what?
Thanks

 

Two things came to mind to check. First of all, are you sure the distributor isn't 180 off? Second, maybe you adjusted the valves/rocker arms too tight. Check to see that you have compression in all your cylinders.

 

I'd have to agree with ViciousZ on this.

------------------
Rob
'86 TA 305 TPI
Gutted MAF, Ported Plenum
TB Bypass, Home made Cold Air Intake,
Edelbrock T.E.S.

 

180 degrees out is the most common mistake. Some people don't realize that there are two TDC's.

 

I'm guilty of this aswell...

------------------
89 GTA G92
305 TPI WC 5spd w/3.45
Accel Cap & 8mm Taylor's
Custom 4" Cold Air Induction
Jet Airfoil
K&N Airfilter
160 deg stat/fan switch TB Bypass - Steel Rad
Cat back 3" Exhaust w/Terminator Muff.
HiGh FlOw Dynomax Cat
Spohn LCA's - KYB GR-2's
Autometer Vac+Oil Temp

 

As stated above, check the valve adjustment.

Usually it won't catch if its to far retarded, try advancing it.

------------------
ASE Mechanic/Machinist/Smog Tech

1999 NBM Trans Am
1986 Chevy 3/4 ton pick up
1981 corvette
1995 Kawi ZX6R

R.I.P. #3
My favorite quote about D.E. "He can see air"

 

It still wont start but its so close It makes a popping sound though while trying to start.

 

Pull the #1 plug and rotate till you have air coming out of the cylinder (TDC comp) and bring the marks to 0.

Check your rotor alignment with #1 wire.

We have a saying at the shop....Once stuff is f**ked up...its tough to un-f**k.

Always go back to basics.

Are you using a stock balancer??

------------------
ASE Mechanic/Machinist/Smog Tech

1999 NBM Trans Am
1986 Chevy 3/4 ton pick up
1981 corvette
1995 Kawi ZX6R

R.I.P. #3
My favorite quote about D.E. "He can see air"

[This message has been edited by Engineboy (edited March 07, 2001).]

 

I dont know about the balancer. But my friend said it does sound like it needs valve adjustment because of the popping sound while cranking. Would that stop it from starting?

------------------

 

I would check the timing thing first, its easier than checking the valve lash.

Yes, if the valves are too tight it will keep the car from starting.

Is this a new motor or are you installing one that was already done??

Did it run before??

Whats the story.....
------------------
ASE Mechanic/Machinist/Smog Tech

1999 NBM Trans Am
1986 Chevy 3/4 ton pick up
1981 corvette
1995 Kawi ZX6R

R.I.P. #3
My favorite quote about D.E. "He can see air"

[This message has been edited by Engineboy (edited March 07, 2001).]

 

This is where I got my engine and this is the exact one I bought. I had a few of the options though like ported heads, and upgraded alot of the internals.
http://www.golensengineservice.com/e....asp?engine=88

It almost started right now when we switched the wires 1 place advance on the distributer. I replaced the #1 with the #8 and so on. It comes so close to starting its not funny. Also some white smoke comes out of the headers and the throttle body after it tries to startup. The engine is new. Please help. I want to get on the road and built the entire car perfectly I'm just a terrible tuner in case you cant tell

 

Do as I stated above, pull #1 spark plug, rotate engine until air starts coming out of the hole, keep rotating (clockwise) until the timing marks line up on the tab and balancer. This will be TDC compression.

Remove dist cap and look at where the rotor is pointing.

If its not the #1 plug wire, you need to make it point at the #1 plug wire by re-installing the dist. so the rotor points at #1.

1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 clockwise.

Can you tell #1 is important? ?

Also, how long have you been cranking on it, ? While you have #1 plug out you might want to check it for gas foul.

------------------
ASE Mechanic/Machinist/Smog Tech

1999 NBM Trans Am
1986 Chevy 3/4 ton pick up
1981 corvette
1995 Kawi ZX6R

R.I.P. #3
My favorite quote about D.E. "He can see air"

[This message has been edited by Engineboy (edited March 07, 2001).]

 

I did what you said to the tee, and it was pointing towards the #1 like you said. What is this about 2 TDC's? BTW Here's my mods....
Just in case it could help

All the freebies
TPIS Big mouth manifold ported
ACCEL runners extrude honed
24-26lb injectors
Holly in tank fuel pump
SLP 1 3/4 coated headers
3 1/2" header back exhaust
4thgen 1998 WS6 rearend w/323's
Competition Engineering adj. drag shocks
Custom LCA's
Eiback drag springs with airbag
Lakewood adj. panhard rod
Energy suspension polyurithane everything
Stage 3 700R-4
SLP 24-2800 stall
17x9.5 front ZR-1's
17x11 rear ZR-1's
powder coated white
With Dunlop SP2000 tires
Phantom Fuel pressure/tranny temp guages on dual pillar.
Hotchkis tie rod sleeve
KYB front rear sway bars
ASCD SS Hood
SSM subframe connectors
Edelbrock Strut Tower Brace
Throttle body airfiol
AFPR TPIS
MSD 6A box
MSD 8.5 Super Conductor wires
MSD High Vibraton Coil
Ported plenium
Flowmaster muffler *not sure what model*
Low temp fan switch
Low temp thermostat
Tranny cooler
Oil cooler
Goodyear Hi Miler cooler hoses
200 NOS kit *not installed til I learn about this **** though*
Skulte wheel spacers in front
Modified airbox
Lakewood drag struts
V-6 springs in front
Hypertech underdrive pully's
K&N filters <---100HP @ least right there)
Accel cap rotor
Accel ignition module *I think thats what it is*
RedLine synthetic fluids, and water wetter cooling ****.
4 wheel disc
Several custom proms made by Performance Resource
AIR CONDITIONING from a donor car
I know I'm forgetting alot of ****.
I'm hoping for mid high 13's because my car weighs about 4000lbs


[This message has been edited by MATEOZ28 (edited March 07, 2001).]

 

Are the plugs fouled??

There is 2 TDCs, one for intake (compression) and one for ex.

Have you checked compression and fuel pressure with a gauge??

------------------
ASE Mechanic/Machinist/Smog Tech

1999 NBM Trans Am
1986 Chevy 3/4 ton pick up
1981 corvette
1995 Kawi ZX6R

R.I.P. #3
My favorite quote about D.E. "He can see air"

 

"It almost started right now when we switched the wires 1 place advance on the distributer. I replaced the #1 with the #8 and so on."

Try having someone crank the engine while you turn the dist. to see if it will lite.

Most of all......try to keep a level head, I know how easy it is to overlook something REALLY simple that could be causing your problems.

------------------
ASE Mechanic/Machinist/Smog Tech

1999 NBM Trans Am
1986 Chevy 3/4 ton pick up
1981 corvette
1995 Kawi ZX6R

R.I.P. #3
My favorite quote about D.E. "He can see air"

[This message has been edited by Engineboy (edited March 07, 2001).]