Won't stay running

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Jun 3, 2019 | 03:10 PM

wrobson

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Jun 2019

Posts: 6

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Won't stay running

I installed a new distributor shaft, plugs, points and cap in a 1969 L48. It starts right up, then it backfires through the carburetor and dies.

Jun 3, 2019 | 07:10 PM

kansas123

Melting Slicks

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 2,817

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From: Wichita Kansas

Re-timed after installation? OH, perhaps not if you can't keep it running huh, sorry about that. Did it run okay prior to these changes?

Last edited by kansas123; Jun 3, 2019 at 07:12 PM.

Jun 3, 2019 | 07:31 PM

sullyman56

Drifting

Joined: Nov 2013

Posts: 1,547

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From: Scottsdale Arizona

Sounds like the timing is off. Get it to TDC and check to see the position of the rotor. If it isn’t pointing at #1, pull the distributor and put it back in making sure the rotor points to #1. This should get you fairly close and you can adjust your timing from there.

Jun 3, 2019 | 08:32 PM

wrobson

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Jun 2019

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More information

The engine was TDC and the rotor was pointing at number one. The points were set to .019 using feeler gauges.

Jun 3, 2019 | 08:46 PM

sullyman56

Drifting

Joined: Nov 2013

Posts: 1,547

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From: Scottsdale Arizona

How did you find TDC? When I did mine by myself I put a piece of a paper towel in the #1 spark plug hole and cranked the engine until it popped out. I’ve also placed my thumb over the spark plug hole while a friend cranked the engine and stopped when I could feel the compression. I’ve seen on several occasions where instead of being #1 at TDC it was actually #6.

Jun 3, 2019 | 09:02 PM

wrobson

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Jun 2019

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Won't stay running

I used the finger in the hole method and also took off the left bank valve cover and made sure number one cylinder was closed. The push rods had no pressure on them.

Jun 3, 2019 | 09:16 PM

sullyman56

Drifting

Joined: Nov 2013

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From: Scottsdale Arizona

It still seems with all that correct that it could be 180 out. Did the distributor shaft install go ok?

Jun 3, 2019 | 09:19 PM

wrobson

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Jun 2019

Posts: 6

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Yes

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Jun 3, 2019 | 09:25 PM

sullyman56

Drifting

Joined: Nov 2013

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From: Scottsdale Arizona

Was it running ok before you worked on it?

Jun 3, 2019 | 09:32 PM

#10

sullyman56

Drifting

Joined: Nov 2013

Posts: 1,547

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From: Scottsdale Arizona

It’s probably something very simple that’s being overlooked. The point gap is ok. Dwell should be 28-32. Check your spark plug wires to be sure they’re correct.

Jun 4, 2019 | 02:34 AM

#11

sug

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From: perth Aus w.a

2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (stock)

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Have you got the gear on the distributor with the dimple pointing the way same as rotor .

Jun 4, 2019 | 07:15 PM

#12

blue427

Burning Brakes

Joined: Dec 2003

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If your rotor is pointed to #1 you are probably at 1or 2 degrees before tdc.,just advance the dissy counter clockwise as you start it,about a 1/4 of an inch or so,then put a timing light on it and get to 10 to 15 degrees before tdc.(disconnect vacuum advance and plug.)