Fresh Rebuild; not starting

Learn to set timing "static" where you want it to run.

1 Determine compression stroke. The timing mark comes up "for no1" and again "for no6" If the valve covers are off, bring the marks up about where you want the timing, say, 10 BTC or so, and look at the valves. When both no1 valves are closed, that is the correct stroke for no1 to fire

1A Alternatively, pull no1 plug, stick your finger in the hole, and bump the engine until you START to feel compression. You may have to do this a couple of revolutions to get the "feel" of it. Immediately after you start to feel compression, wrench the engine slowly to bring the marks to "where you want timing" IE 10BTC or so

2 NOW drop your dist. in, rotor pointing to no1 plug tower. I always scribe the top rim of the dist. body so I know where this is with the cap off.

A Next, rotate the dist. RETARDED (CW on SB, CCW on B/ RB engines)

B Next, slowly bring the dist back ADVANCED. If you have points, watch for the points to open, using a test lamp across the points. If you have electronic dist, bring the dist until the reluctor tip lines up with the center of the pickup coil.

Once you practice this a couple of times, you will find the engine will fire and run just like it was parked overnight. This is ESPECIALLY important with a new cam, because you must IMMEDIATELY get the engine RPM up for breakin, and the last thing you want to do is fool around with a balky running engine just because the timing is off