Really Really need help with car not starting

[zigmont]

I have done this. It works.

You have been chasing this problem for too long now. You need to take the time to get back to the basics.

Back to basics. 4 things required for engine to start and run:
1 fuel
2 compression
3 spark
4 timing
When those 4 things are present the engine will run. (assuming the engine has been assembled correctly)

First of all I am assuming you already have compression.
If carb is flooding, turn pump off. (there will still be enough fuel in carb to run engine for 30/40 seconds) You can turn it back on after the engine starts.
Reinstall original distributor (with new (or good used) points and condenser) and original coil.
Rotate distributor counterclockwise till rubbing block on points is at highest point on any distributor lobe.
Set point gap at about .019" (thickness of hacksaw blade
Rotate distributor back till rotor points at No1 and points are closed.

Basic timing:
1 Set timing mark at about 6 Deg. BTDC.
2 Remove cap from distributor to make sure rotor is pointing at No 1.
3 Now rotate distributor counterclockwise until points just break. If they are already open, rotate distributor clockwise till they close, then counterclockwise again till points just break (if ignition is on, you might see a slight spark at points)
4 Do not continue rotating. Lock distributor down.
5 Make sure rotor is still pointing at No 1 If not, rotate distributor till it is, then repeat step 3.
6 Turn on ignition. Pull coil wire out of distributor cap. Crank engine while holding end of coil wire about 1/4 inch from any metal attached to the engine. You should see a nice thin blue/white spark.
Replace distributor cap and coil wire.
Start engine.
Be Happy

 

[red66er]

What's the rubbing block?

 

[Az Pete]

The rubbing block is the piece on the points that rubs on the cam lobes in the dist. It causes the points to open.

I agree as stated before.....going back to the basics, no matter how many times you think it is right, actually reset everything....don't just look and say Yep, it looks good. Actually reset it all. Then, once things are set right again, if you change something and it does not help, be sure to put it back where it was.

 

[boots6868]

just a shot in the dark here, ive been reading all the posts and the problems. I have an idea for you.. I read a similar problem on another forum where the guy put in the pertronix ignitor and couldnt get his car to start. beat his head for days about it spark was his problem. turns out he forgot to insert the the ring that goes down over the distributor shaft it sits under the rotor, he had set it off to the side during the install. I think it has something to do with the hall effect window for spark. and also did you set your gap correctly between the ignitor and the insert. Like i said just a shot in the dark seems everyone else got you covered on the mechanicals. check it out! good luck

 

[72mustang]

Try to find local car clubs online and go down to a meet and see who around your area knows classics that's what i did .Or if you see one driving down the street step right in front of him and ask for help.lol

 

[red66er]

Yes It's Running!!!!!!

Here's the final breakdown on what when on. I know I haven't posted in awhile.

First and foremost I would like to thank everybody on the this forum. All you guys rock!!!!

Here's what went down. I put on the fuel regulator and brought the fuel psi down to 5. Remember my post about the intermittent spark on the plugs. Well I haven't got that part figured out yet but there is a short somewhere between the the new key ignition and the firewall.
I put the original distributor with points back in the car cause I know that was good. I jumped a wire from the battery to the coil to bypass my short circuit and I did use a resistor so as to not burn up the points.

Timing. Yes, that was a bit tricky. After reading a lot of google searches on 289 timing I found one guy who in some post said that his revamped 289 only ran when it was at 20 degrees BTC. So I did the same thing. I set mine up so the rotor was pointing at number 1, 20 degrees BTC. Whammo, she fired up.

Now, about that time my very experienced friend showed up in his hopped up corvette just in time to help me with some small issues such as some rocker clatter, idle mixture etc.

Let me tell you she sounds like a freakin beast!!!

Still have a few fine tuning things to do before taking her out but man it's been a long time and a lot of frustration.

I'll also post results after taking her out just in case I have issues there but still read posts on here and answer questions or comments.

 

[rsweld]

Congrats, I new you would get sooner than later.

 

[red66er]

Thanks for the support RSWELD!!

Lot's of good advice in this forum to draw from!!!

 

[tx65coupe]

I'm glad to hear that its running good now.

 

[mudbilly]

that's what i like , a story with a happy ending...........

 

[red66er]

Thanks guys!!! I appreciate the support and all the help I got.

 

[fivepointNO]

Been away awhile... Congratulations! Now figure out what to do with the timing to be sure you're running it where it should be and get those old parts back out in favor of new(no more points) and you're bound to really like the end result.