351 M Timing Issues HELP!
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2006
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351 M Timing Issues HELP!
I have a 79 F-100 dent side with a 351 M. I was adjusting the 4 barrel as I was get crappy mpg. Got the truck running great then checked the timing. 28 degress BTDC. Should be at 6-8. Last year replaced the ignition mod, distributor, coil, and a complete tune up. Changed intake and carb this past summer. Buddy told me distributor needs to be turned back because of timing. Turned back distributor at TDC wires and cap good at number 1 with rotor button. Now cant get truck to start. Removed distributor and did it all over again multiple times dbl, and triple checked wires and cap, everything good. Still wont start. When trying to start spits fuel out of carb. VERY FRUSTRATED. After 8 hrs tried to kick it over and light it on fire, at least I wanted to. OH yeah this is my daily driver.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 8,501
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From: Lynchburg, VA
Well it sounds like you've cranked it over so long that you've flooded it so certainly let it sit for a while to clear the gas out of the intake.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2011
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I'm referring to when you were reading 28* BTDC.
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Rusty Roller
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Santa Cruz Mountains
Do you have the valve cover off to be sure you are TDC with both rockers loose when the piston is at the top? And the timing pointer is at 0*?
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2006
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When I checked for TDC I was always checking #1 piston being as far to the top as possible as I knew that was correct TDC. With that being said I would set the rotor where #1 would be. (starting over I guess)
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Piston is at TDC twice
As was said, there are two times when the piston is at TDC:
- On the compression stroke;
- On the exhaust stroke.
If you install the distributor while on the exhaust stroke, no, the engine won't start and you'll sometimes get big backfires through the carb.