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  1. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    I have a bad (?) habit of setting up engines when I build them, install in a truck, and they fire instantly and run perfect when the key is touched. I will do a final fine adjustment after things warm up, but it's almost dead nuts on at the go. Amazing what too many years of doing it can cause...
  2. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    As Ayden said ......... I tune my engines by ear, they actually have a sound to them when they are "happy" It takes time to learn that sound, but meanwhile go with using equipment to do the job.
  3. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    Yep, there can be numerous causes for noises like that and difficulty cranking/starting an engine. And they can be hard to tell what happened and what caused it, and sudden noises are "worrysome" at the least. But, after he posted a pic of where the rotor pointed when it was supposed to be...
  4. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    Clean off the plate and you should see the numbers. Do a google search on Chevy 350 timing mark plate and you should find a pic of one showing which mark corresponds to which number of degrees. Just remember: when the engine is running and you are trying to shine the light on the marks, moving...
  5. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    The timing is adjusted by loosening the distributor lock bolt (9/16") and rotate the distributor. The vacuum advance is controlled by vacuum from a fitting at the carburetor, and you don't adjust that. A timing light is used to set the timing where it needs to be (depending on the engine and the...
  6. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    Usually maybe no, but if his timing is late it could. Remember, I am accustomed to weird things happen most folks don't get to experience.
  7. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    Consider the amount of surface area of the exhaust tubes radiating heat, and that says yes, you will get more heat to exposed surfaces. Definitely replace the valve cover gaskets, use good rubber ones since cork will dry out and fail. Plus the cork soaks up oil, and eventually some can find its...
  8. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    Glad you got it running !! If it wasn't for the pic I asked for showing the position of the rotor when the harmonic balancer said it should be pointing at #1 or 6, we would still be trying to figure it out. And open headers do have a tendency to get a tad loud.
  9. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    I have found it's better to start with the longest wire first, #2, then work my way with the next shorter wire. Yank all the wires off, and go from longest to shortest.
  10. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    A couple things stick out to me. The vacuum advance seems too far retarded from what I am used to seeing. And if the timing is late, that will affect starting and running. In your pic, the rotor is pointing to where #8 normally is. Try putting #1 wire there, and follow through clockwise with the...
  11. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    Good battery charge definitely helps an engine start and run. Please turn the engine through again until the timing mark on the harmonic balancer is lined up at TDC, remove the distributor cap and send a pic of where the rotor is pointing. You MIGHT end up having to re-index the distributor, but...
  12. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    Definitely worth a shot, and a LOT less hassle than re-indexing the distributor. 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 clockwise.
  13. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    I was also curious as to why the engine hydrolocked from installing headers and dealing with plug wires and firing order, but weird things do happen. I want to see him get through the engine running on all 8 correctly, then if need be we can hopefully walk him through any further diagnosis if...
  14. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    You are still advanced a few degrees before TDC, but close enough to reference for the rotor position. Pull the dizzy cap off and see if the rotor points in the general direction of #1 cylinder itself, or does it point towards the firewall.
  15. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    In that brief amount of time, you wouldn't have lost enough to notice. If it was oil or coolant, there would be a slick residue where it sprayed onto. At this point, leave the plugs out, and crank the engine some to make sure no more liquid comes out. Put the spark plugs back in, verify where...
  16. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    Do you have any kind of rubber hose that would fit snug in the spark plug hole so you can catch the liquid in a container? From your first post, I suspected the engine hydrolocked from fluid in at least one cylinder. Now it's time to verify just what it is so the diagnosis and repair can...
  17. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    An engine basically is an air pump, and the gauge measures the flow and variations caused by mechanical issues. it can show late ignition timing, burnt valves, blown head gasket, and many other things by looking at the needle movements. Here is but one site that will introduce you to what a...
  18. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    Justin - Do you have a vacuum gauge or can borrow/buy one ? That is one of the most important diagnostic tools you can have for engine diagnosis, along with eyes and ears.
  19. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    I was going to suggest he remove the plugs, verify the engine rotates freely, then install the plugs one at a time and verify it still turns, then if all is good and it still has an issue, we can work on that.
  20. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    If you don't know the firing order, it's 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 rotating clockwise. 1,3,5,7 on the driver side bank, 2,4,6,8 passenger side. You will get used to the simplicity of how things were done, and most things are easier (and cheaper) to work on than the vehicles with computers and electronics...
  21. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    You are aware then, that if the distributor is removed and being installed, you have to start a little bit before where you want it to end up, and it has to point to where #1 is supposed to be when the distributor is fully seated. Sometimes, it can be a pain to get it to line up with the oil...
  22. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    This forum is GREAT, and don't ever be afraid to ask any questions about things you are working on and/or unsure of. I see you're a newcomer, so welcome to the site, and you will find there is a goldmine of knowledge and experience among the group. We even have a few screwballs to provide...
  23. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    Also, to help find #1 at the distributor (assuming it's installed correctly) rotate the engine (if possible) to line up the timing marks on the block and harmonic balancer. The rotor will point to either #1 or #6. Usually, #1 at the rotor will point to the left rear of the carburetor (driver's...
  24. mtnmankev

    I think I need a new engine

    Are you able to crank the engine through (by hand or with the starter) if the spark plugs are removed ?
  25. mtnmankev

    Tire size question…

    If you want decent on road and also mud/snow capabilities, I love my Ironman M/T all country 31x10.5x15LT Running them on my 84 K-10. I got a set of 4 from tirebuyer.com for $577.08 free shipping. Edit" here's a pic of my ugly old truck with those tires.

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