starting up for the first time...

[mitchcj1]

Hey guys, Ive got my 351c in a 70 fb. I got everything together and tried to start it via the solenoid jump trick (key doesnt seem to work, electrical issues). Its just turning over and backfiring every now and then.

1. new battery, solenoid, voltage reg.
2. gas is getting to the carb.
3. spark plugs and wires are set properly. plugs seem to be wet after turing over.
4. distributor set to #1 tdc etc.
5. oil pump primed.
6. vacuum connections all set and tight except for dist-o-vac thing bypassed.

Any ideas on what to try next?? thanks

 

[65Mustang2+2]

Points?

 

[brianj5600]

Try advancing the timing. If it does not work, advance it more.

 

[gsxrken]

I didn't see verification that you have 12V to the coil. WIthout the ignition switch, you have to get that hot, too. Jumping the solenoid only turns the starter.

 

[mitchcj1]

its single points. I tried various twists of the dist. until I ran out of battery juice. granted I dont know what Im doing but I thought I tried advancing and retarding via that method.

It almost sounds like only one or two plugs is working. like it only detonates every other second or so when Im cranking it. The occasional puff out the top of the carb and a couple times some nice flames out the headers...

I thought Id quit and check here before I ruin the engine.

 

[x73mach1x]

firing order???? my guess if you dont have them right she aint going to run.. my stang had the same prob when i first got it when i fixed that bam she started......so double check it

 

[bnickel]

sounds like you have the firing order reversed as in the firing order should be counter clockwise and i think you have it clockwise

 

[D.Hearne]

Rotate the crank till the timing pointer lines up with the timing marks for 12 degrees BTDC. Look at the dist. rotor and see if it's pointing toward the #1 terminal. If not, then rotate the crank one full turn back to the same marks. Now, once you have the crank turned where the marks line up, and the rotor is turned where it's pointing about where the #1 terminal on the dist. cap is, replace the cap and rotor. Remove the #1 plug wire at the plug. Insert a phillips head screw driver into the wire terminal. Set it next to a ground source. Turn the ignition on. Slowly rotate the dist. by hand and watch for the spark. When it sparks, you should be dead on the money. The engine should start now, provided something else isn't out of whack.

 

[D.Hearne]

And do yourself a favor and replace the points with a Pertronix unit or any other electronic conversion of your choice. You'll be glad you did.

 

[HistoricMustang]

Good Ground. Everyone always forgets a Good Ground.

Use the normal one off the intake and then another off the block to the frame rail.

HistoricMustang
www.historicmustang.com/tech.html

 

[mitchcj1]

Thanks for the reply's. I want to get the pertronix, definately. Ill add another ground strap too. I followed the firing order from chiltons, but will double check it.

 

[mitchcj1]

great news! The piston was at top dead center but for the wrong stroke. Basically I just rotated the dist 180 degs. and it started right up! A little adjustment of the carb to get it to idle and its doing great. Still cant start it with the key though. My underdash harness is new but the pigtail from the key switch had melted a little on the last one. All the wires seem to be intact and the key obviously provides power to the coil and shuts the engine OFF. Question is, is this a wiring issue or a NSS issue?? Any ideas?? Thanks for all the help!!

 

[351carlo]

Funny you say that.... I was just typing it up but figured i'd finish reading the posts. I have a 351c too (not that it matters) and I must've tried for 30 minutes to get it timed right, and I was on the wrong stroke!

If you need a pertronix unit, I have an Ignitor II for sale for cheap. I upgraded to a Digital 6 Plus MSD box and a Mallory S/S distributor. It's even in a 351c distributor already. PLUG AND PLAY! LOL

 

[mitchcj1]

Hey, Im a little confused. The assembly manual I have says the "brown" wire goes on the left (s) terminal and the red w/ blue stripe goes on the right (I). When I turn the key, the black has power in acc and start. The red only in start.

The bigger issue is they only have power at all about every 10th time I try. Is that a ground issue?? The manual also has a black wire with an "eyelet" typw connector going to the big left terminal. Heres a pic.