Gaaahhh!! Timing a 383

[85k10383]

Finally got all the other bugs worked out and am trying to get my fresh 383 to fire. The distributor is out of phase by two cylinders (trying to fire #3 first instead of #1) I have got the timing mark lined up on the pointer. But getting the distributor squared away and re-installed has got me pulling out my few remaining hairs by the roots! Anyone tell me you have been there and that it will all be OK in the end before I jump off the roof. Also, when they suggest 13-16 degrees advance where am I taking that from, the pointer on the front of the motor? TIA all!

 

[crazy4offroad]

Firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 so you are out 3 cylinders. Just turn the rotor back to #2 when it is out of the motor and when you drop it in the helical gear will twist the rotor around to #1. Sometimes it takes several tries. And yup, 13-16 degrees BTDC will be on the harmonic balancer and pointer. Oh, and yeah, I've been there. Been a while but I've been there.

 

[circletrack22]

thats all the advance ur running??

 

[82chevy350]

You need to have number one piston up and the rotor facing towards cylinder one

 

[85k10383]

As I understand it thats 13-16 degrees initial advance, they suggest no more than 34 degrees total. Thanks for the tip crazy, I wouldn't have thought to back it off one to let the thing turn into position. That has been one of the things driving me nuts! I'll have another go at it this afternoon, hopefully a little rest and a little help will get it done today....

 

[crazy4offroad]

Sometimes if it is hard to tell if #1 is on the compression stroke or #6 you can take the driver's side valve cover off and watch the valves as you turn it over. When the intake valve closes, then the piston comes up it is on the compression stroke of #1 cylinder. Otherwise it is trying to fire 180 degrees out.

 

[85k10383]

My dad is gonna come out and help me get it right his weekend. I have never static timed a motor starting from scratch before and have too much money tied up in this one to get it wrong LOL

 

[85k10383]

Got it static timed, but it still ain't cooperating! Now its a fuel issue, no fuel on the outlet side of the fuel pump. I tried swapping the fittings but that didn't do it. So now, i'm thinking I need to trace the fuel lines to their source and make sure I'm hooked up to the supply line and not the return or vapor return line. I should probably get a non-smog fuel line fitting for the tank that just has the one line, but for now, I'm gonna keep hammering away at it until she runs.....

 

[crazy4offroad]

Did you ever have the gas tank off? Sounds like the lines are on the wrong ports at the tank.

 

[GreaseDog]

thats all the advance ur running??

that's actually alot of initial advance.

 

[85k10383]

I was thinking the same thing ^^ But thats what they say to start it out at, soooooo. As far as I know the tank hasn't been off the truck, but knowing what i do about the previous owners "engineering" background all bets are off! I am probably going to drop the tank to facilitate removing any un-needed lines when i run new supply line this weekend. Jegs has a pretty good deal on 25' of galvanized line with flare tool, cutter, and fittings for about 85 bux. Its got to be better than playing "pin-the-tail- on-the-donkey" which is where I'm at right now LOL

 

[GreaseDog]

who is "they"?

 

[85k10383]

Blueprint Engines, the company that made the motor. There was a little hang tag on the distributor when I un-crated it that reads:
"WARNING The initial advance should be set at 13-16 degress BTDC. The total advance should be NO MORE then 34 degress BTDC and should be reached by about 4000 RPM. If the distributor has a vacuum advance, it should NOT be used. Failure to Follow these guidlines can cause detonation damage and will void the warranty" All emphasis is theirs, not mine. Motor has 9.5:1 compression BTW

 

[85k10383]

Well it turned out it was the fuel pump after all. Jegs must have sent me one for an older motor than I have. I cleaned up and installed the pump off the old motor and she fired right up! Got her dynamically timed yesterday and took her for a nice little cruise this evening. She sounds wonderful! I don't know what the specs are on the cam they used in this engine but it idles like a pro-stock car! Of course some of that could be timing as well, but I kinda like it LOL Of course the maiden voyage wasn't without drama (heavens no!) The right rear brake drum was still a little bit stuck (rusty parking brake cable, I know Iknow never again) and promptly fried itself. So It looks like I'm going to Vatozone to get rear brake shoes and doing those tomorrow evening.
But the sumbitch runs!

 

[82chevy350]

Hell yea got any videos?