rebuilt 340 initial start-up

[wilkey340]

I had a 340 rebuilt for my 73 cuda. For some reason it is not turning over fast enough to fire up. I tried jumping it off another vehicle (6 cyl ford explorer), is that battery too small? and causing the problem? Any ideas, or input would be greatly appreciated, Thanx.

[DanL]

Assuming you can turn the engine by hand (with a wrench on the dampener bolt)...

Make sure your jumper cables are large enough and are making good connections to both the Phord and at your <real> car. Cables too small or connections that are poor will cause that problem. Usually if the cables are too small, they'll get hot to the touch. I've seen cheap-o cables with a very bad connection between the wire and the clamp, so look the ends over well.

Did you run this engine before the rebuild? If so, was the starter working OK at that time?

[TK]

there is something about a rebuilt engine that causes the starter to go out. i have no clue why, but it does.
run down to th elocal parts store an dget a new starter (or at least that s what i would do)
the first fire up is really hard on them, expecially if everything is not perfect

[cutting torch]

Make sure you don't have a /6 starter. They won't crank as fast.

torch

[wilkey340]

I assume it is the high torque mini starter, that is what i ordered. Thanx for the input guys.

[cutting torch]

Have you played with the timing while you crank it?

torch

[tmef]

Originally Posted by cutting torch

Have you played with the timing while you crank it?

torch

I agree. Sounds like maybe too much initial timing. Try backing it off some.

[HNB racing]

did you pre lube the engine if not that will cause it to rurn over very slow

[TK]

Originally Posted by HNB racing

did you pre lube the engine if not that will cause it to rurn over very slow

how would that make a difference? ive done both, and never noticed, if anything it would turn easier if the pump wasnt pumping yet
just a thought

[dwc43]

HAve you checked all the grounds straps? The ones from the engine to the frame? This will cause it to crank slow.

[wilkey340]

i put a huge optima battery in it, it turns over normal now, but i have no spark so that is next(any ideas?) thanx again

[383_Coronet 440]

what ignition setup do you have

[wilkey340]

all msd, i found the problem and i have spark now. So i just have to play with the timing til she fires up (it just keeps back-firing now) thanx again

[TrashedCharger]

Check your firing order and make sure that your spark plug wire sequencing isn't one off and make sure that your distributor drive gear is correctly located where it should be at TDC. If you're getting backfiring and hard starting, the wires may be one sequence too advanced on the cap or you may have the distributor drive gear off one tooth on the camshaft. If you can't get the advancing to correct with distributor housing movement, than you have a rotor or wire problem.

[TK]

Originally Posted by wilkey340

i put a huge optima battery in it, it turns over normal now, but i have no spark so that is next(any ideas?) thanx again

wilkey340?
if you like, i can post teh sure fire way to get the firing order and everything perfect the first time and even the timing close with nothing but your eyeballs
(the simplified approach)

[wilkey340]

Originally Posted by dodgetkboy78

wilkey340?
if you like, i can post teh sure fire way to get the firing order and everything perfect the first time and even the timing close with nothing but your eyeballs
(the simplified approach)

that would be great, thanx