351C Issues

[Danoh1]

Any updates?  The original problem as described sounds like crossed wires.  Could be as simple as that.  Could be the wrong firing order, but it won’t even try to fire or pop with the early firing order.  

 

[shaheenk]

So some  updates,.

Went out there today with a complete box of tools and bits. 

1. Plug lead number 1 had a high ohmage reading compared to the others. they were all within spec except number 1 which was reading about 5 -6 times higher, they changed this one lead and have no idea where the old one is. Found a usable lead in a box within the same spec as the ones used elsewhere. Problem 1 

2. Checked the TDC with screwdriver and the marks on the crank pulley are spot on , which means TDC on engine and TDC on damper are in line with each other

3. Checked the coil is wired correctly , but I think its poked....

4. Put the ready to run in and cranked, no more backfire but she wont fire up , you can hear it wants to but just not enough . Pulled number 1 lead , put a plug on the end , we getting spark but very weak. 

5. Took the big HEI GM style jobbie , wired it up (1Wire to battery) , redid all the plug leads and she fires up , I cant adjust the disto as it touches the intake and stuff so it runs rough , but it fires up . 

Now because I cant adjust the timing by turning the distro it afterfires through the exhaust , so I know I am very retarded on the timing . But fire up it does. 

Taking the ready to run to a repair guy out here and getting him to test it and the coil. Will also change out the leads as I am OCD like that and want them all the same . 

 

[Kilgon]

Sounds like you are on the home stretch of getting it to run good. I would still go back to a Duraspark dizzy if you get the opportunity to get one.  Realize your parts situation.  Nothing wrong with being OCD.  Been there. It sometimes helps you to sleep better at night instead of laying there wondering if you should have or not.  Hopefully your repair guy will get yours working and it will resolve you problems.   

 

[Stanglover]

5. Took the big HEI GM style jobbie , wired it up (1Wire to battery) , redid all the plug leads and she fires up , I cant adjust the disto as it touches the intake and stuff so it runs rough , but it fires up . 

Yes indeed it sounds like you're getting close. I'm not at all familiar with those HEI things, but can you not pull it and re-stab it a tooth or two different so you get more room to turn it? Just wondering. 

 

[detritusmaximus]

5. Took the big HEI GM style jobbie , wired it up (1Wire to battery) , redid all the plug leads and she fires up , I cant adjust the disto as it touches the intake and stuff so it runs rough , but it fires up . 

Now because I cant adjust the timing by turning the distro it afterfires through the exhaust , so I know I am very retarded on the timing . But fire up it does. 

Taking the ready to run to a repair guy out here and getting him to test it and the coil. Will also change out the leads as I am OCD like that and want them all the same . 

That was the thing about my bad module,...it tested good. Swapped it with a known good one and everything was fine.

 

[shaheenk]

looked at the DuraSpark units they are also the big base type , with the long oval air cleaner I dont think it will clear. Still investigating . But we getting there . 

 

[Stanglover]

looked at the DuraSpark units they are also the big base type , with the long oval air cleaner I dont think it will clear. Still investigating . But we getting there . 

The duraspark (parts only) one I have is no bigger than the Motorcraft. Unfortunately you may be in need of a different air cleaner, round at least. And the bills keep adding up!!! 

 

[Don C]

The Duraspark distributor housing is the same as the points distributor housing and a small cap will fit, the large cap is a 2-piece cap with the lower section acting as an adapter to the larger top part. The regular small cap will fit on the Duraspark distributor. In this picture the Duraspark is on the left.

 

[shaheenk]

The Duraspark distributor housing is the same as the points distributor housing and a small cap will fit, the large cap is a 2-piece cap with the lower section acting as an adapter to the larger top part. The regular small cap will fit on the Duraspark distributor. In this picture the Duraspark is on the left.

Excellent , I think I should just bite the bullet and do the Duraspark unit and be done with this back and forth

 

[shaheenk]

Wooo Hoo , Kinda almost nearly there. Took the distributor to a company to test it , checked out and it tested fine, the coil they said was a cheap unit and I should look at a better unit. So got me a Bosch electronic unit for cheaper then an MSD one and went back to specialist.

Popped the distro back in, timing mark at TDC, new coil wired in and crank away...first few times she did not take. Something told me to shut the choke on it and first turn she started. We had a few jump forwards as she was in Neutral and it sounded like it was in gear. Revved and she would lurch. not actually drive. 

Put her into park , started and she flamed a few times, turned back the timing and she fired up , no issues no smoke but still lurches in park ,forward not back. 

I suspect they messed with something when they did the oil seal on the gearbox. But hey its alive now.

 

[tony-muscle]

They may be chevy guys turning the distributor in the wrong directions. :classic_dry: