Expert: Brad Sears - 8/15/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a rebuilt 1969 350 engine with holley 600cfm, HEI inginition. I put new spark plugs and wires, new dist cap and rotor. I prestart adjusted the valves by loosening all rockers and tightening until rods catch and then another 1/2 turn. I did a mild rebuild on the carburetor. I checked for spark i have spark. I put the engine at TDC and lined up the distributor to the #1 plug. I opened up the choke all the way. When I turn the engine over it fires but doesnt start. I checked the firing order of the plug wires 3 times. What can I try next?

ANSWER: When you adjusted the valves did you make sure that each cylinder was at top dead center in the firing stroke? The valves need to be in the closed position when adjusting them. let me know.
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes I made sure that each push rod  was on the flat part of the cam lobe.

thanks
Dave

Answer
OK, did you pre oil the lifters before adjusting them? If not it is possable that you have the valves too tight. When I do this operation I usualy set the valves so that I take the play out of the push rods and then BACK the adjustment off a turn. Then start the engine and let the lifters pump up. Then re adjust the valve. See if that works if it does not let me know.
Brad