New Rebuild Starts then Dies

[Dibbons]

The 340 is using the Petronix distributor previously installed in the former 318 which never had a problem. This new rebuild will not stay running for more than a couple of seconds. I am turning the key on and then using a remote starter switch which I believe would indicate it is not the ballast resistor (which I believe is normally bypassed when using the ignition key to crank the motor). I will probably remove the intake manifold today and see if the new camshaft and lifters are still OK after so much cranking. Very nerve-wracking when this happens (does not run long enough for me to get a read on the ignition timing either). Thank you.

 

[Don Frelier]

Maybe it's just too lean or retarded timing can act lean that way as well.
You can pull all the plugs and time it using the starter motor to spin it.
Good luck with it.

 

[BeepBeepRR]

The 340 is using the Petronix distributor previously installed in the former 318 which never had a problem. This new rebuild will not stay running for more than a couple of seconds. I am turning the key on and then using a remote starter switch which I believe would indicate it is not the ballast resistor (which I believe is normally bypassed when using the ignition key to crank the motor). I will probably remove the intake manifold today and see if the new camshaft and lifters are still OK after so much cranking. Very nerve-wracking when this happens (does not run long enough for me to get a read on the ignition timing either). Thank you.

Check the coil with key on and cranking. See if you lose voltage after it starts.