I have hit the highest hurdle of my already too long project. There is spark and gas getting into my W31 build engine. The starter turns the engine over but so far it doesn't seem to want to fire. I originally did the TDC thing and rotor pointed at #1 but since then have done too many things to be sure it is still firing right. I have a remote starter switch and the carb and electronic choke are new. I am hoping we can set up a play day to get the engine started. I live 6 miles south of Granite Falls so I am hoping there are some Snohomish County folks that are willing to stand around and scratch their heads as much as I do, When it is started I need to do the cam break-in and run around checking fluids and drips. I am 68 and getting under it is prohibitively useful and my back doesn't promote long bouts of bending over the engine. I am home 24/7 so I can work around schedules; There are no mechanic shops near me that can help unless I get it towed.. I think I got it all right, so it should be a simple process to get it running but I know now than 4,6 or more hands is better than 2. If you want to see an Olds 350 in a Gbody El Camino run, this is your chance. Getting it running is only step 1 in about 8 steps but without it running I cannot get the exhaust done, tires, and see if I need to work on the rear end or 350 trans. H-E-L-P!! PM me and we can look at dates and times. I have off between December 23 and Jan 1 with not work at all.

Chuck

 

1. WHICH TDC? TDC-Exhaust, or TDC-Compression?

2. Do you have spark at the coil wire? Forgot to install the distributor rotor? Spark at the plug end of the plug wires? FOULED PLUGS? Most "remote starters" don't energize the ignition, they just spin the starter motor.

 

[QUOTE=Schurkey;1296114]

1. WHICH TDC? TDC-Exhaust, or TDC-Compression? I have assumed compression because of the whistle I use to replace the spark plug. but if not...being 180 out would point to a starting issue 2. Do you have spark at the coil wire? Mine is HEI Forgot to install the distributor rotor? Nope it has a rotor spinning CCW Spark at the plug end of the plug wires? Can't tell yet FOULED PLUGS? no Most "remote starters" don't energize the ignition, they just spin the starter motor.[/QUOTE I haven't used the remote at all just the key in the ignition so far.

I have some work to do still it seems.

 

Id just try pulling the distributor and putting it back in 180 degrees.

despite my best efforts this somehow happened to me, i wasnt going to try it, but i did and it fired right up

 

Sounds like it is worth the try for sure..... Mark to TDC and rotate the rotor to point 180 degrees the other way, I am pretty sure I can do it

 

The whistle is probably correct. Before you pull the distributor, have you put a timing light on the engine and checked initial timing? The timing light will work even if you are just cranking the engine. You can also leave the distributor loose and move it a little one way or another while cranking to see if it catches.

Put a tach on the TACH terminal on the HEI and verify that you are getting an RPM signal while cranking. If not, you aren't getting spark.

You can also hold one of the plug wires near a ground and see if you have spark, or use a spark tester.

Are you sure you have fuel in the carb? If the carb was dry, it can take a lot of cranking to fill it. I usually fill the float bowl through the bowl vent to minimize cranking. You may also want to try using starter fluid initially to minimize washing down the cylinder walls.

 

Thanks Joe!

I have not gotten that far yet in the troubleshooting but these are good ideas and easy even for an old guy working alone. I have not tried a timing light yet so I guess it is time to dust if off and see if it still works I was going to hook up the tach soon anyway so I will get it going,. It did take a lot of cranking to get the gas in but I can hear the squirt when I work the linkage now and there is pressure in the line. I want my wife to hold the plug wire and check for spark but she just doesn't like being jolted. Even static snaps **** her off!

 

You're a brave man! Get one of these:

 

$8 shipped to my home and will be here Friday. Maybe she will hold onto this one I think I have my work cutout for me now. Always thanks Joe!

 

I've always just used a screw driver slipped in the end of the wire held near the engine block, but $8 shipped sounds ok.

 

Yes I live 27 miles from a store which may or may not have one and since getting my wife to work with a screwdriver which may be sparking is harder than being a Republican in Washington State, $8 seemed like a steal, especially if it lasts beyond the first use.

 

Chuck,
Hope you dont mind my asking this but . . . . do you have the wires on correctly ? The Olds distributors turn counterclockwise as compared to most other GM distributors which turn clockwise. I know several Chevy guys that have been tripped up by this fact.

 

Thanks Bill, I thought the same thing at first and double checked. 1-8-4-3-5-6-7-2 Counter clockwise Always good to recheck it when getting no fire. I know I am close now but have to be sure so will start again from TDC.

 

Chuck go back to 18436572, you have a few crossed there.

 

I'll check again but I think I got it right just typed it wrong Laptop keyboards are too small