454 Timing Issues

[Backtanner]

I'm having problems getting my motor to run. Engine was having trouble starting with Mallory so thought it would be a good time to convert to MSD. No luck. With all plugs out and grounded I am getting spark. However installed the motor cranks but will not run. Cyls #1,2,7&8 seem to be firing (I can feel the exhaust ports becoming warm)however 3,4,5,& 6 are cold. The firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 and #1 is at TDC so what gives?
[ December 11, 2002, 01:39 PM: Message edited by: Backtanner ]

[Infomaniac]

TDC on the compression stroke?
Can you read the timing marks on the balancer when #1 is up top?
If so the timing may be way late.
I always stab the distributor at the timing mark I intend to run the engine at rather than TDC. If you stab it at TDC the distrubutor will have to be cranked around 30 something degrees to time the engine.
I may be anal but my distributor must be square and straight when the engine is timed. I cannot stand it if my distrubutor is cocked around.

[Backtanner]

1. Yes #1 on compression.
2. Timing mark on balancer is lined up with zero on timing tab.

[AZKC]

Had a similar problem on a Pontiac and I had it wired in the wrong direction. It had the same firing order as a Chevy but it was the opposite way on the cap(counter clockwise I think, but backwards from a Chevy) Took me about 4 hrs of quadruple triple double cking.Felt pretty stupid when my buddy showed me the rotation arrow in a Chilton manual. Just a SWAG...
KC