I have a 1988 ford truck with a 302 switch out to a carb setup I am recently having problems starting its either the timing or battery how much volts does a battery need to have crank you motor. It really only does it when ive been driving it around for a while seems like timing but have set it alot of times Ill set it at 11dg. without the vac and goes to about 36 dg with vac. adv. All wire from the battery are 4gau. or maybe the battery is no good its been on since I bought it 2yrs ago and who knows how long its been on before I bought it.

 

What is happening?

It turns slow and won't start?

It turns fast but won't start?

What type of ignition system did you swap in? The duraspark II Ford system has a wire you can hook up to retard the timing during cranking, making the engine easier for the starter to turnover.

 

It cranks slow and wont start its an hei distr. it only cranks when its hot like 180 dgr. temp.

 

Try setting the timing at 8 deg or 6 and see if that helps. The battery should stay at 8 volts or more during cranking. You also may want to try another starter.