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help me start my car after distributor re-install

blue65coupe

Well-Known Member
Set engine at tdc using the mark on the balancer and yes, #1 was on the compression stroke. Installed dizzy with rotor pointed to #1. This should have gotten me to at least get the engine firing. Moved dizzy a little to the left, a little to the right, dip, slide, cha-cha turn, you get the picture. I was able to get it to run very roughly with some gas application but would backfire through the carb. Is there and easy way to do this going at it alone? I don't have a remote starter. Is it really worth my time or should I just wait for that extra set of hands?
 
Sounds like you did all correct. Rotor is pointed to number one on the cap. Is the firing order correct, along with the correct rotation on the cap? It should start and run well enough to time it by yourself. I never trust the mark on the balancer for TDC. I always place a straw into number 1 and watch as the piston comes up to the top on the compression stroke. I then will verify the balancer. Points opening?
 
I'd just wait for the extra set of hands. I've never been lucky enough to get it running well without someone under the hood tweaking the distributor.
 
I'm not 180* out and I did use the balancer mark. Will find tdc without using the mark to verify and see if it's off. Points? I have the Pertronix in the top and didn't mess with it. Wires were never removed from cap so sequence is good. Probably off with the balancer. I'll verify the balancer/tdc but will probably have to wait until next week to crank it. (Time to get that extra set of hands) I've got a full week and will be out of town visiting the outlaws this weekend...............................where I'll be wishing for the headache to be from the car. Thanks guys.
 
In the mean time, pick up a remote starter. They are worth their weight in gold and cheap.
 
Did this same thing on one of many engine fixes this past spring. Swore I had it right, but wouldn't start. Finally figured out I was using the wrong friggin timing marks. I was off just enough to keep it from starting, thinking it was at TDC. After I got it right I removed all the marks on my dampner and reapplied correctly.
 
I have done that many times......until it welds itself to the posts.......until the sparks set something burning......not an easy way to watch what you need to on the engine plus watch to be sure you contact the posts......but, yes, you can do that.
 
"blue65coupe" said:
Done that many a time but limits your mobility.

Been there, done that, have the remote starter switch since.
 
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