Well the ignition bits and pieces went in good, gets a nice bright blue spark. However. I can't seem to get the timing set right. I have seen flames out the carb, Backfires out the tailpipe but can't get it to run.

What I did was, set it at TDC compresion stroke and install the distributor so the rotor was point to #1 on the cap. no go. Am I missing something? If you can offer me a step by step on setting the timing it would be much appreciated. I don't have a timing light but if need be I could get one. I'd rather try and get it going without one though. Thanks.

Please check out the current thread titled 'still won't start'.

_________________
'66 Cuda 225/4spd
'66 Dart GT convertible 225/auto
'64 Dart GT 340/4spd

Ok, I read it. and many other threads on timing. How do you determine how many degrees before tdc you are? And could I get a bit more detail on rotating the relucter backwards to the pickup. Here is what I did. Tell me if I missed anything

1) Pulled all plugs(so I can turn the engine by the fan.
2) rotated the fan clockwise(maybe I did that backwards) with my finger in the #1 plug hole tile I felt air rushing out, then stop when the tick mark is inline with the "0" on the cover.
3) Put the distributor in aligning the rotor to the # 1 in the cap.
4) Tightened the distributor nut down
5) Put the cap back on
6) put the plugs back in
7) double check the wires are in the right spots
crank it over
9) flame out of the carb
10) Kick the tire

Try checking the valve opening by looking into the oil filler hole. Or try rotating the distributer 1/2 turn (you might be on #6 cyl not #1 cyl)

Here is what I do:
Mark the timing marks with white paint.
With valve cover removed, crank the engine over watching the #1 valve springs.
You want to find TDC Compression Stroke, this is where the timing marks align while there is no valve movement, both valves are closed for a while.

For reference, go another full turn and both valves will be moving at TDC Exhaust Stroke, this is the overlap event when the intake valve is closing and the exhaust is opening at the same moment.

Find TDC Compression Stroke and align the marks at 10 degrees before the zero mark. (crank rotates clockwise as you look at it)

Put the distributor in so the rotor points to the 4:00 position, this is the cap terminal just below the location "notch" and clip on the cap.

Put on the cap, connect the wires and place a spark plug in the #1 lead and ground it on the engine where you can see it. Switch-on the ignition and rotate the distributor housing by hand, you should see the plug fire at the place you should lock down the distributor.
(If you you do not get a spark, you may need to move a tooth)

Be sure the wires are in the correct firing order, 1-5-3-6-2-4
DD

Two things that I can see:
Rotating by hand may not give you the 'feel you need'.
When you crank the engine over with the starter, and your finger in #1 spk plug hole, you'll actually feel two rushes of air from the piston coming up. The lesser of the two will be the exhaust stroke because some of the air will be escaping thru the open exhaust valve. The noticeably more forceful one, is the compression stroke, both valves closed. You probably will not be able to keep it totally sealed with your finger because there is so much pressure.

_________________
'66 Cuda 225/4spd
'66 Dart GT convertible 225/auto
'64 Dart GT 340/4spd