Ron Binkey Young

1972 cutlass 350 4 barrel carb, it was running fine I went to get gas filled up then it would spin over but wouldn’t start I replaced the plugs distributor cap and rotor button if ignition coil. When I try to turn it over it is a slight grinding sound, not sure we’re to go from here

Oldsmaniac

You may have lost the timing chain or it may have slipped a tooth. Check for spark, fuel.

Ron Binkey Young

it has spark and fuel through the carb

Vintage Chief

When you attempt to start the vehicle, does the starter engage and continuously turn the engine over but the engine will not start? IOW, the starter is in fact turning over the engine but it won't start. Or, does the starter spin but the starter does not engage the engine and the engine does not turn over?

Ron Binkey Young

yes the starter does engage and turns the flywheel I took the cover off and watched it as someone turned it over I does give a little jump like it’s going to start but it doesn’t

Oldsmaniac

You need to see if it has jumped time....

70W-32

Is it possible that you bought gas that was fouled with water?

joe_padavano

Check the timing with a timing light. Yes, it will work even if the engine is only cranking over. If the timing is way off, time for a chain.

Tedd Thompson

Dollars to donuts it's the timing chain. Does the engine sound like it is spinning over a little quicker than normal? Tedd

Ron Binkey Young

no a little slower if anything

oldcutlass

The other possibility is you got a tank full of water with your fuel purchase.

scrappie

Got gas and good spark it should start unless timing is off or fuel is bad. Im gonna agree with others about timing. Maybe loosen distributor and mark where it is then turn either direction and see if it pops or something? If so then maybe focus on a timing issue?