350 Going Boom, Won't Start

Sweet :bglasses:

 

I may have missed it in the three pages of posts, but did you replace the condenser? A bad condenser will cause backfires (bang!). Condensers are cheap & easy to replace.

 

When you pulled distributor to repair wire, are you sure you didn't put it back in 180 degrees off? That will defiantly backfire loudly, to the point of blowing your muffler apart at the seams. Check it. Could have been 180 off from the previous owner. And much easier/ cheaper than pulling timing cover/ chain.
You can also remove the fuel pump again and stick your finger in there to feel the chain slack. Use a coat hanger wire if you want to pull and push to check chain slack.

 

Do you mean the AC condenser? I haven't done that . . . who sells 'em? How does that cause a backfire?

Hmm I will try again before I start taking everything apart. So to make sure it is lined up correctly, I turn the engine over and line the timing mark up with 0 on the tab, then install the distributor and "walk" the oil pump shaft until my rotor is pointing towards the #1 spark plug. Right? This will give me an initial of 0 which I can adjust if the engine fires?

The timing mark is just the notch cut into the balancer right?

That would be great if it was the problem!

If that doesn't work I will try the coat hanger. I'm assuming that any slack felt at all would mean a bad chain?

Sorry for all the questions . . .

 

Ok my last post shows the fact that I've never worked with a points distributor before haha . . . Unlike many people who grew up with old cars, I grew up with 90s cars and only got into muscle cars etc as I aged!

Is it better to try replacing the condenser and not just do an HEI swap? I plan to go to HEI at some point.

 

Might as well set the dampner to 10* BTDC rather than zero

 

Copy that. But my process for installing is correct? So my understanding is to avoid the 180 out phase issue, I make sure that the #1 cylinder is on TDC first (180 out of phase would have #6 at TDC)?

I can just put my finger over the spark plug hole to feel the air when turning over the engine?

 

I prefer a shop rag or ?, you can see it come out as you turn the engine.

 

Ok! The surefire way I've heard is to watch the exhaust pushrod on the #1 cylinder as you turn the engine and if it doesn't move, you are on the compression stroke. But since that requires taking the valve cover off, I feel like taking the spark plug out is easier!

 

Stick a wine cork in the plug hole and turn the engine over till it pops out then line it up with DTC and you are set.

 

Will do! I also just ran into this thread which has a lot of useful info on the timing chain swap and diagnosis!

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?287763-Possible-timing-chain-slipped

 

Check the inside of the distrb cap for cracks.

 

I will look again, but last time I had the cap off it looked solid.

 

Yesterday I got the car moved to my spot!! (Well my parent's spot). I have exactly 1 month to get it running or it's to the curb with me! :eek2: I am in an apartment but it doesn't have a driveway so they are being very nice and letting me work on it in their driveway.

Here's the car getting loaded on the truck:










On the way over:



Safe in the driveway!

 

Just don't drink the wine first, or all bets are off! :laugh:

Nice looking ride. Like the color combo.

 

Thanks!!

I actually tried the wine cork thing while I was waiting for the tow truck, and it wouldn't pop out! I ended up using my finger, maybe I didn't cork it deep enough haha?

I have the balancer at 10 BTDC, and I'm going to try resetting the distributor tonight. It would be awesome if it didn't need the timing chain.

Just to triple confirm, I:

-Make sure balancer is at 10 degrees BTDC of the #1 cylinder (already done)
-Install distributor and wires according the to below diagram
-Make sure rotor is pointing exactly at the #1 terminal, then give it a go.

This should rule out the distributor right?

 

Try backing the engine up a bit to see whether it pops out the cork on 1 or 6...to be certain.

 

Will do! Does the rest of my process sound correct once I make certain that I am on TDC of #1?

 

I line up the pole points on the distributor shaft (reluctor and stator) when pointing the rotor to the correct plug.
Just make sure you are absolutely positive which cylinder is on compression before proceeding.

 

Will do!!