well I have been having trouble with getting my car to start after finally putting in the rebuilt motor. everything is turning and im getting fuel and spark. the timing is right as far as I can tell since the cheap **** timing cover does not have a timing mark anyways a friend told me I have no compression but when I try to start it sometimes flames shoot out of my open headers would that be possible with no compression?

 

If you're firing out the exhaust you probably have a timing issue. Check and make sure the dist. is timed on the compression stroke and not on the exhaust stroke.....that's a very common mistake.

Also you really need a timing mark...otherwise there's no way to ever know if the timing is actually right. They make them where they bolt onto the timing cover bolts....you can get one for like $12 and just bolt it right on there.

 

how do I check if the timing is on the right stroke also where can I buy a timing mark?

 

would i need one for a 7 or 8 in balancer its a stock balancer

 

You can use a piston stop if you want to find TDC on #1.

 

The stock balancer is like 6 3/4" so go with the 7" pointer. To find the compression stroke, take out the #1 plug and stick your finger in the hole while someone turns the engine over MANUALLY (i.e. with a socket on the balancer bolt.) When the engine's compression pushes your finger out of the hole, you're on the compression stroke. Continue to turn the engine until the timing mark lines up with 0* on the pointer, then pop the dist. cap off and make sure the rotor is pointing at the #1 plug wire. If not, pull the dist. and adjust the rotor accordingly.

 

If both valves on #1 are closed, and the timing mark lines up, that would work also, I would think

 

ok I cant fit my finger in the hole LOL and the motor is sooo tight it when I try to turn it manually it feels like the bolt is going to snap

 

Doesn't have to be your finger. You can use a rag or anything light enough to be pushed out by the air pressure. I use a straight spark plug boot with a bolt in the end....it'll halfway seal the hole so it makes noise when it comes out. If you can't turn it by hand, you can try bumping the starter. You run the chance of having the engine turn past TDC though, which means starting all over.


Having both valves on #1 closed works, but that involves pulling the valve cover which can be a pain depending on the car. Sometimes it can also be hard to tell if they're closed all the way (at TDC exhaust stroke the exh valve is closing and the int is opening so they will both be nearly shut.)

 

valve cover is already off so there suppose to be closed right (valves)

 

With both valves on #1 closed and the timing mark lined up you're at TDC on the compression stroke. The rotor should be pointing at the #1 wire terminal.