Hey there,

I just got my 1952 303 back together but this thing won’t start…

the adjustment should be okay, I turned the first cylinder to the highest point with both valves closed, the distributor also matches with this
I put on the ignition cables in the right firing order

when I try to start it turns without problems and sometimes it seems like some small “explosions” fire through the headers but it just won’t start…

gas is also there (my 4bbl Quadra jet leaks a bit from the lower valves’ connecting rods)

what else could be a reason it won’t start?

i also installed new ignition wiring, maybe wrong cables?

 

Is the firing order wired counterclockwise? You may be 180* out on the distributor.

 

Is the points gap set correctly?

 

#1 is the left front cylinder. Both rockers must be closed AND be on the compression stroke, both rockers can also be closed on the exhaust stroke. #1 is on the compression stroke if you can move the crank back and forth off of TDC a little in both directions and the rockers don't teeter open/close, #6 rockers should teeter.

 

Pull the #1 spark plug.
Stick your finger in the hole.
Tap(another person) the key until it spits your finger out,
Now you are on TDC of the compression stroke. The timing mark on the damper should be in the general vicinity of 0°. Move the mark on the damper to 0°. The distributor rotor should be pointing towards #1. I have a feeling you are on TDC of the exhaust stroke.

Are your points gapped at ~.016-.017" on the cam crown?