65 c10 wont start

[65truckowner]

I am almost done with my 65 restoration. I cant seem to get it to start. It is a rebuilt 350 with a 600 holley and points distributor. It is in time and wired correctly. The carb is working like it should. I primed it the other day and it almost started but since then it wont even hit. I rechecked the spark and it was yellow and not the blue it was. Also the starter is dragging and turning the engine over slowly. I put a new battery on it today but still turns slow. I ran a hot wire from the battery to the positive side of the coil which did not make any difference. When I pulled the carb today to double check it the intake was wet down inside it but the plugs are dry. I am going to order a new starter tomorrow What am I missing?

[geezer#99]

Has the motor been run since the rebuild or is this it’s first fire?

[65truckowner]

first fire. It almost started Saturday But has not tried since

[geezer#99]

Good chance you’re off 180 degrees on the distributor.
Do the timing ritual again.
Pull #1 plug, bump it over until you feel strong compression, then check your rotor position.
Don’t keep cranking it over and over trying to start it. Not good for your cam break in.

[65truckowner]

Already done that. It is right

[geezer#99]

Maybe not.
If hot wiring it didn’t get it to fire, you’re still likely 180 off.

[Grounded63]

Are your battery cables tight/clean at both ends. It sounds like your not get full power.

[65truckowner]

I cranked until the number one piston blew my thumb off the plug hole. Then moved the crank a little until it was on 0. Then pulled the dist cap off and the rotor was pointing to number one plug wire. Then rechecked the other plug wires and they were in order also. The rotor turns clockwise. As far as full power I was wondering if the dragging starter might be pulling to much power and not getting a full 12 volts while cranking. I am ordering a new starter this morning and have a hei dist coming also. My battery is new

[Clyde65]

Sounds like you may have it licked! I think starter/solenoid.

[Chevy Fleetside]

I had trouble starting my brothers car after a rebuild. It came down to me putting my hand over the carb and choking it real good. Maybe I just got lucky but it made me happy when it ran. I fought with that thing so much.

[jdl71]

I had this once and found I had the valves way too tight. The starter would barely spin the engine.

[65truckowner]

Got is running today. New hei,starter,and battery. Ended up roll starting it. Runs like a champ and now will start with the key

[geezer#99]

Once you got it stopped from the roll start, how did the rest of the engine break in go?
Hopefully you kept the rpm up near 2000 for 20 minutes to break in the cam.

[65truckowner]

Yes it went fine and now starts with no problem. Man does it sound good with the 40 flowmasters