If the spark is erratic, besides checking the obvious connections and grounds, you can also install a jumper wire from the distributor body to battery negative to rule out any issues with distributor grounding.  Just an alligator clip wire will work for this.  You can also use the light on other wires to see if the same problem exists.


Lawrenceville, GA

Mechanically everything You mentioned is Correct. When I tried using the Timing Light as U suggested it would not Flash consistently so that is why I am now thinking my Pertronix is acting up. I have another Point Distributor I will try and see if that fixes my Problem and gets it running..

  

If it is at TDC on compression with damper at 0, valves closed (there is clearance between the rocker and valve) the rotor points to #1, and the plug wires are installed counterclockwise, in the sequence of the firing order, then it should be in the ballpark.

Have you checked initial timing while cranking?  That will at least verify that the spark is occuring at the right time or not.  Most distributor caps have a 1 next to the #1 terminal but the wires don't care where they are placed as long as it is according to the firing order and timing can be set properly so also make sure that you're not somehow confusing the wrong terminal for #1.

Also make sure you are using the #1 cylinder.  I mess that up sometimes because the other vehicle has a che vy.

One thought, if you want to check the gears, maybe a bore scope can be used through the fuel pump hole to verify that it is correct.


Lawrenceville, GA

Thanks John. I have checked the Plug Wires Twice with them off the Car with Brackets complete. Wires are correct. This Distributor has a Pertronix in it. Possible its the Problem? I have another new Point Distributor which I will try first before I think about checking the Gears. If the things I checked as far as Compression Stroke, TDC, and Valves closed are looking Correct then the Gears should be correct? I specifically verified them to be correct before I closed it Up. Very Strange it won't Start.

  

Mark, it sounds like the cam timing is OK.  The manual says to pull the pan because there are 6 bolts through the front pan bolt holes into the timing cover.  With a new gasket on the pan, you can probably just take the bolts out and remove the timing cover.  If the gasket is ruined, the timing cover gasket set will have a new front piece of pan gasket.  I don't really think you'll need to pull the timing cover.  One thing you might check is to see if the plug wires are installed in the cap in the correct firing order in a counter clockwise direction.  Please don't ask how this old fool knows about that.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

I have been working on this for last 2 Days. Verified Compression Stroke with Finger over Cylinder. TDC on Crank Damper. Both Valves closed. Pulled the Distributor and plug Wires to make sure I didn't mix up a couple of Wires. Distributor pointing to #1. Still won't start. Moving distributor slightly in each Direction makes no difference, Its trying to start but advancing Distributor it backfires through Carb.. So I do have Fuel and Spark. At this Point I am starting to second Guess Myself as to correct Installation of Gears. If the valves are closed on Compression and TDC on Damper does that not indicate Gears are correct? What has to come apart to check timing Gears? Shop Manual says Oil Pan has to come Off. I don't know why the Pan would have to come off??  Engine in Car. Thanks for any Suggestions.

  

Left and Right for an automobile or an aircraft are always spoken from the driver's seat or pilot's seat.  Whether you are talking about an automobile engine, or an aircraft engine, left and right are so designated from that vantage point, only.  Joe-JDC

JDC

to the right from the front bumper look at the front wnd sheald, and the no of pins by prev post

Didn't touch Cam. Just the Gear and Chain. I think I have installed Distributor out of Time.

  

I seem to remember that when you install cams that are set with the marks that no 1 cylinder is at overlap distributor should be set for 6 to fire at this setting.