Advice Needed - Can't Start Rebuilt 273

67Dart273 said

"wire tdc?" You mean poking a wire in the plug hole? This tells you exactly NOTHING.

Read through the link I posted above.

ASSUMING...................

the cam is ground correctly, installed correctly, and that the timing marks are correct, there are ...................

ONLY TWO ways to determine if you are on the compression stroke

1---If either/ both valve covers are off, bring the timing marks to TDC and look at the no1 or no6 rockers. If both no1 valves are closed, you are on the compression stroke. If both no6 valves are closed, you need to rotate one turn

2---You can bump the engine over while holding your finger in the no1 plug hole. As soon as you feel compression, watch the timing marks. As they come up towards TDC, that is the compression stroke.

Click to expand...

It sounds like you are on the compression stroke. Method 2 works well, and makes me think. Have you done a compession check yet? Cut the fuel to the carb and do a compression check on all the cylinders. You should also set the valves adjusted to spec plus .002 of an inch. Also Do Not use a valve lash chart and think you are done. Keep, turning the engine and checking the valve lash till you are satisfied that you have the lowest spot on the cam lobe at the correct lash. This thing should fire up, like right now with that small of a cam. I have seen cams ground on the wrong centers and timing set marks way off, and that was when parts were made in the USA. There are tolerances on every part you have in your engine. That is why some engines run real good and others just run.