Wont Start, Help

How do you know where the timing is? Might just be retarded (or the cam could be off!!!)

You can check static timing EASY Or if you have a light, you can check timing "on the starter."

"Static": Pull no1 plug. Put your finger in, bump the engine around, until it blows your finger out. You may have to go 'round a couple of tmes to get the "feel." When you START to feel compression, STOP and look for the marks coming up. DO NOT set them at TDC, but rather "where you want the timing" IE 10-12 BTC or so for a stock cam

Now, remove cap and wiggle the rotor, remember it turns CCW!!! Rotor should be "coming to" or about even with the no1 plug tower

Loosen dist, rotate CCW (retard) and then CW (advance) slowly until reluctor is about centered in pickkup coil. YOU CAN ALSO move the dist back and forth while in "run" and produce a spark. As you move the dist back and forth try to move slower and slower and less and less, until finally, you "just" move it and get a spark as you move CW. THIS should be very close to time

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If you have a timing light, just hook it up and crank the engine. You should get enough flash to check timing.

I have fired used engines WITHOUT EVEN A CARB.

COMPRESSION............have you run a leak down or compression test? Has it been sitting enough that maybe a shot of oil in the cylinders would help?