The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post

trz1000 · 06-21-2010, 10:55 AM

I guess I'll come right out and ask it, are you sure you don't have spark?

If you've moved the distributor then the timing is off. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Could easily be off so much that it'll never fire. If you for certain don't have spark, fix that first then you need to static time the engine to ~ 10 degrees BTDC. If you have spark and fuel, it should start at 10 BTDC even if the dwell is out of whack. You will have to adjust the dwell angle, timing, and idle once it fires as it most likely won't be drivable at that point. Don't forget to set the point gap as well.

Now, if you're timed right, have fuel, spark, and it still won't start then as previously mentioned you need to start suspecting the timing chain. It's easy to verify but you have to pull the water pump so you can pull the timing cover. It takes a little time but even if you end up having to replace the timing chain and gears it's not too difficult. Like most anything, just go slow and make sure you're doing everything right the first time.

If you don't know how to do some of this stuff no worries, there are lots of folks here with the know how to get you going.

Good luck!

06-21-2010, 10:55 AM	#17
trz1000 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 95	Re: no spark I guess I'll come right out and ask it, are you sure you don't have spark? If you've moved the distributor then the timing is off. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Could easily be off so much that it'll never fire. If you for certain don't have spark, fix that first then you need to static time the engine to ~ 10 degrees BTDC. If you have spark and fuel, it should start at 10 BTDC even if the dwell is out of whack. You will have to adjust the dwell angle, timing, and idle once it fires as it most likely won't be drivable at that point. Don't forget to set the point gap as well. Now, if you're timed right, have fuel, spark, and it still won't start then as previously mentioned you need to start suspecting the timing chain. It's easy to verify but you have to pull the water pump so you can pull the timing cover. It takes a little time but even if you end up having to replace the timing chain and gears it's not too difficult. Like most anything, just go slow and make sure you're doing everything right the first time. If you don't know how to do some of this stuff no worries, there are lots of folks here with the know how to get you going. Good luck!