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Question
yes my name is adam and i have a a small block chevy and i set the timing right and plugs are in the right fireing order and everytime i turn it over it still wont start and it back fires out the carb and headers and shoots flames and smoke and i have re-did the timing many of times..and it still does it and i am getting spark. what could it be?
It sounds very much like you have the distributor in 180 degrees off. Remember that the timing mark will come to TDC every revolution of the crankshaft but the engine only firs each cylinder every other revolution of the crankshaft. So, it can look like you have the engine timed right but that the distributor is 180 off. Mark the rotor position and pull the distributor. Install it so that the rotor is 180 degrees, half way around the circle, from the original mark. I'll bet it fires right up.
Brad
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Answers by Expert:
Brad Sears
Expertise
All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.
Experience
Automotive tech instructor.
Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's.
Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's
TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated.
Auto instructor for the following companies:
Fram
Autolyte
Holly
Carter
AMF
Ford Motor
University Of Conn
Blue Hills Technical School
Sugar River Technical Center
Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.
Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.
Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember.
Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.
Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.
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