I did a compression test thursday on my 67 Camaro, 502 big block. It was just running last weekend, and sat in the garage for 4 days, when we pulled out the Bosch +4 plugs on all 8 cylinders, did the compression check. All 8 were with in 186 to 203 psi, most at 195. The car sat overnight till friday afternoon.
I then put in some old AC rapid-fires back in the engine. (these were run in the engine for about 6 months, before swithing to the Bosch +4, but have been sitting for about 2yrs) The reason I switched the plugs was to play with the gap, but was in a hurry so I installed them with the same gap as I had run before -.040.
With the plug in, I put the wires on and the coil wire, which was disconnected for the comp. check. I pump the pedel twice, hit the key and the engine turn over a few time, but doesnt start, and just as I let off the key the thing back fire out the carb. I think - no problem - I just got some wire crossed. I jump out, check the firing order on the wire and their all good? So I hit the key again and nothing, pump it some more, nothing? I would just get an occational backfire when letting off the key. I'm like - lets see if we're getting a spark! Unplug no. 1 wire, stick a screwdriver in it - lay it on the valvecover and I see a big spark! I have a MSD billet distributor, MSD coil and a 6AL box, and it seams to be putting out a good spart.
Could it be the old plugs? I pull them out and stick the Bosch +4s back in, (thats what it was running on before the comp. check. Hit the key - just spins! Next the trusty starter fluid, a few squirts down the carb and it should start right? Wrong! I spend the next 1/2 hour jacking with it, and cranking on it. I pull a plug and its wet with fuel, so I think - It flooded. I pull all the plugs and call it a day.(incase its flooded)
Saturday: put plugs back in.
Thinking - we got fuel (gas and starter fluid), got spark, got air - it should be running?
Now I'm playing process of elimination!
I by-pass the 6AL box, get a good spark - just cranks!
I borrow a coil, get a good spark - just cranks!
I borrow a 750 carb off my buddys chevelle - just cranks!
I pull the MSD istributor out as I check for TDC, and it right on, which leads me to beleive that the timing chain and cam are OK
I finally get me buddys HEI distributor, run a 12-volt wire straight from the battery!!! (which I've had on a charger)
I check for spark - its good, just cranks!
So I've tryed 2 different carbs, and 2 different ignition systems - and nothing!
Next I will pull a valve cover and see what the valves are doing!

I'm running out of Ideas?

Please give me your imput, and any Ideas on what to check next.
I've been doing this for 15 years, but feel like a dumba$$ - me and my NASA engineer freind, and "Ford" mechanic buddy, yes I said the F-word!
Thanks everyone


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91 B4C 305 TPI - SOON TO BE 383
TREMEC 5-SP, STOCK 1-BOLT REAREAND w/342 GEARS, K&N, AIRFOIL
EDELBROCK HEADERS, DUAL CAT TO HOMEMADE Y-PIPE & 3.5" SINGLE PIPE W/ FLOWMASTER, CRANK PULLEY, MSD, FUEL PRESS REG, COWL HOOD, WELD WHEELS
14.1@ 98MPH
-------------
OTHER RIDE
67 CAMARO - STREET CAR, BIG BLOCK, PUMP GAS
350TH w/ATI 10", 12-BOLT w/373 GEARS
10.94@124.13 ON MOTOR - ET-STREETs w/MUFFLERS

[This message has been edited by RW91B4C (edited August 13, 2001).]

 

I do not have a clue. Post what the answer is when you finally get it.

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84 Z28 383
Stripped w/Cage back halved w/ladder bars and coil overs and 9 inch
700R-4 3.73

 

Check the rotor... sounds like its tip has gotten turned off to the side.

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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."
ICON Motorsports

 

If you'll notice I've tryed 2 different distributors. My MSD and a buddys HEI.
I inspected both for gear, shaft, cap, rotor for damage. They are both in good shape and seam to be firing a good spark.
Thanks

 

Is the timing right? Sounds like the dist is off a tooth. Doesn't make any sense why it wouldn't start the first time though.

 

180 out?

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91 Z28
Come see The Vicious...

 

Its not 180 out, I've tryed 2 different distributors - No. 1 cylinder on compression stroke!
Plaese someone, I need some more ideas - what to check???
Thanks

------------------
91 B4C 305 TPI - SOON TO BE 383
TREMEC 5-SP, STOCK 1-BOLT REAREAND w/342 GEARS, K&N, AIRFOIL
EDELBROCK HEADERS, DUAL CAT TO HOMEMADE Y-PIPE & 3.5" SINGLE PIPE W/ FLOWMASTER, CRANK PULLEY, MSD, FUEL PRESS REG, COWL HOOD, WELD WHEELS
14.1@ 98MPH
-------------
OTHER RIDE
67 CAMARO - STREET CAR, BIG BLOCK, PUMP GAS
350TH w/ATI 10", 12-BOLT w/373 GEARS
10.92@125.2 1.55 60FT. ON MOTOR - ET-STREETs w/MUFFLERS

[This message has been edited by RW91B4C (edited August 14, 2001).]

 

Choke open on carbs?

 

Race Demon 1000! No choke

 

I noticed you just mentioned checking spark on number one cylinder. Just a WAG but are getting good spark on all 8 cylinders? Just a thought. ~Arnold

 

Maybe try taking off the MSD box. I've heard of them giving people problems before.

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91 Z28
Come see The Vicious...

 

Yea, I've fryed one before! But I tryed the HEI distributor by itself - just a 12volt hot wire straight from the battery to it.
And, I've cheched for a spark at different cylinders too, its getting a spark with all/any combimation of ignition components! With that and some starting fluid you'd think it would do something?

------------------
91 B4C 305 TPI - SOON TO BE 383
TREMEC 5-SP, STOCK 1-BOLT REAREAND w/342 GEARS, K&N, AIRFOIL
EDELBROCK HEADERS, DUAL CAT TO HOMEMADE Y-PIPE & 3.5" SINGLE PIPE W/ FLOWMASTER, CRANK PULLEY, MSD, FUEL PRESS REG, COWL HOOD, WELD WHEELS
14.1@ 98MPH
-------------
OTHER RIDE
67 CAMARO - STREET CAR, BIG BLOCK, PUMP GAS
350TH w/ATI 10", 12-BOLT w/373 GEARS
10.92@125.2 1.55 60FT. ON MOTOR - ET-STREETs w/MUFFLERS