360 still won't start!
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Newhall,CA
360 still won't start!
A couple weeks ago I installed a cam, Edelbrock performer manifold and a 750cfm Edelbrock carb. I've cranked it for hours and all I ever got was a backfire or some gurgling.I have spark and fuel and I don't see any reason it shouldn't fire up. I've put in the distributor about 100 different times to get the right tooth, and I still have nothing. I ripped the motor apart and made sure the cam was set right, and it was. I'm running out of ideas. Any ideas before a take a sledgehammer to it? 
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Iowa
are you positive the timeing is right, back fireing usually means the timeing is off, id check again and make sure you have the fireing order right also, 15426378 if u didnt already know, make sure the cap, rotor, plug wires, etc are in good shape. i dont know what else to tell you.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
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From: Texas
No ideas here. It sounds like you've checked everything twice. Try the sledgehammer and let me know how it works. I often thought about using it as a diagnostic or tuning tool, but wasn't sure where and how to apply it.
Although, I'm pretty sure the approriate application location is just north of my neck :-)
Seriously, did you ever try adjusting the timing while cranking on the engine. Use starter ether as well. Let it sit for a while to make sure it's not flooded. Don''t hit the gas. Squirt in a decent amount 2-4 squirts of starter fluid, crank it over with a remote starter switch (or somebody in the cab) and adjust the timing while it's turning. I have found the sweet spot best using that technique. Fresh engines don't like too much intial timing advance when trying to start, but once they start firing, crank up that advance to get a decent idle.
Although, I'm pretty sure the approriate application location is just north of my neck :-)
Seriously, did you ever try adjusting the timing while cranking on the engine. Use starter ether as well. Let it sit for a while to make sure it's not flooded. Don''t hit the gas. Squirt in a decent amount 2-4 squirts of starter fluid, crank it over with a remote starter switch (or somebody in the cab) and adjust the timing while it's turning. I have found the sweet spot best using that technique. Fresh engines don't like too much intial timing advance when trying to start, but once they start firing, crank up that advance to get a decent idle.
FE "Freakin Expensive"
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Thats the first thing that came to mind with me..was being 180 out on the dist.
Did ya static time it..bringing #1 to TDC pulling the cap to see if the rotor is pointed at #1 Cyl.. and on #1 on the cap??
Did ya static time it..bringing #1 to TDC pulling the cap to see if the rotor is pointed at #1 Cyl.. and on #1 on the cap??
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Senior User
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From: Newhall,CA
The dizzy isn't 180 off, i've checked that at least 10 times. I've been through a can of starting fluid. My dad moved the distributor while we were cranking it. I'm just going to have to take it to the shop one of these days.... 
FE "Freakin Expensive"
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Well with all that cranking..have you pulled the plugs to see if there gas fouled?
And while ya have one of the plugs out..put the boot on it..ground the side and see what your spark looks like at the plug...
And while ya have one of the plugs out..put the boot on it..ground the side and see what your spark looks like at the plug...
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Posting Guru
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From: Eureka, Ca.
I had the same problem. My lifter preload was off. installed some adjustable rockers and it runs great.
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Senior User
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From: Newhall,CA
Well, I didn't really put in a cam. When I took it apart there was a better cam in there than the edelbrock performer. It ran before with this cam, so I don't think it has to do with the valvetrain.
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From: Eureka, Ca.
Did you use the same lifters or did you put in new ones? It sounds like the exact same thing I went through with my engine. The same frustrating check, recheck, pull apart inspect put together... cough sputter ... recheck, recheck again. pull cam inspect put back thogether...still won't start.3-4 weeks of this and I try adjustable rockers. Set static timing to 5 degrees, turn key... She fires almost imediatly.
All I am saying is... If you know you have good spark and the carb is squirting fuel when you pump the gas and you know your plug wires are right. What are you left with?.
Good luck.
All I am saying is... If you know you have good spark and the carb is squirting fuel when you pump the gas and you know your plug wires are right. What are you left with?.
Good luck.
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Senior User
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From: Newhall,CA
yeah... I did put in edelbrock lifters and it has an isky supercam. I dont think I have $$$$ for adjustable rockers, how much do they run? I didn't throw away the old lifters, and they looked just as good as the brand new ones. I'd say the Isky cam was put in less that a year ago (my truck changed owners 3 times in the last year). Should I swap'em back in?
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From: peoria, az
Although it DOES sound like an ignition problem how about watching the rockers as it goes around and make sure they are opening and closing completely and at the right time. It may not be a bad idea to swap them back.
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From: Eureka, Ca.
If you get lucky, you might find some at a junkyard. Don't tell them what you are looking for. just tell them you need rockers for your FE. Then go around and pull covers off each fe until you find some adjustibles. Be kind to the next guy and put the covers back on