Carb swap and cam install problem

[302 F-150]

I just finished a carb swap and cam install and my engine won't start. It's a 1989 F150 302. I installed an Edelbrock performer intake and cam combo and a 600 cfm performer carb. It will turn over and pop but will not start. Any suggestions from someone who has tackled this project before?

[baddad457]

The computer also controlled the fuel pump in the gas tank. You still trying to run that? That needs to be wired to the coil hot lead and from there thru the impact kill switch. Also needs a regulator with a return line to the tank.

[HemiEater]

check your timing ,might be 180 off
or the wrong firing order

[ken75ranger]

What distributor are you using?

[darrin1999]

you sure you have the timing set installed correctly (straight up)?

[302 F-150]

I am using a return regulator, an hei distributor, and the timing set is installed correctly

[darrin1999]

are you sure you have the distributor on constant keyed power?

[302 F-150]

I have the distributor hooked to the original white and blue coil positive wire.

[302 F-150]

What is the best way to ensure that the timing is correct

[Kemicalburns]

put motor to tdc and see where the rotor is pointing.

[302 F-150]

And then whatever terminal the rotor is pointing when it is at tdc is the number one cylinder?

[Conanski]

No, #1 cylinder is pass side front. There should also be a #1 or arrow or some mark on the distributor cap signifying #1 contact. The rotor should point at that lug with #1 cylinder TDC, if it doesn't the distributor is not installed correctly.

[302 F-150]

Ok, thanks a lot everyone for your help, i will go check it out.

[kc5gxl]

Howdy;

Are you sure that the firing order is correct? Did you use a 351 cam in your 302? They have different firing orders. If it is popping back through the intake, or through the exhaust, it sounds like the timing is not correct, or that the firing order is wrong.

Originally Posted by Conanski

No, #1 cylinder is pass side front. There should also be a #1 or arrow or some mark on the distributor cap signifying #1 contact. The rotor should point at that lug with #1 cylinder TDC, if it doesn't the distributor is not installed correctly.

Actually, if you are looking at TDC on the harmonic balancer, the rotor can be pointing to either #1 or #6 (180 out). But like you say, if you pull a plug and bring cyl #1 up to TDC on the compression stroke, then the rotor should be pointing to #1 on the cap.
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Good luck and let us know what you find.

Drive safely,

Dan Harriman 84 F150 lwb
Orange, Texas

[baddad457]

You can use any terminal as the #1, but the rotor needs to be at that terminal and the piston at TDC of the compression stroke for this to work.