re: 440 won't start after rebuild

[uwss]

Ok, I have spark from a MSD 6AL, verified gas flow,
MSD Pro billet distributor; I guess I didn't install the distributor properly.

I set TDC no.1; set initital timing to 18 degrees by rotating the crankshaft. I dropped the oil shaft in so it is parallel to the crankshaft. I put the distributor in and the rotor aligned in between 2 distributor terminals but closer to one. I called MSD and they it said would not point directly at one terminal.
does it matter if the oil gear slot is perfectly aligned with the crankshaft or do I need to rotate it so the rotor will align with terminal 1 on the distributor cap ?

So, why doesn't it start ?

 

[jeff caudill]

I had the same problem with my 440 rebuild,same set up as yours.the main power supply to the 6al was connected at the starter and was drawing to much voltage away from the box.drove us crazy for a couple of days! I even bought a new 6al box because the trouble shooter from msd I talked to said that was the problem.with the new box we ran the main power supply straight to the battery and it fired up first try,I'm not saying this is your problem but you never know won't hurt to try..Good luck and don't let the Grimlens win.....

 

[bigmanjbmopar]

Did you wire it per the instructions or just use existing wires? are you bypassing the ballast resistor? what alternator are you using? I ask because I switched to a one wire alt from tuff stuff with a built in voltage regulator and was able to get rid of the factory one and ballast. made the plug and play format much easier, I believe the msd instructions say to get power right from the battery + . this is a must.

PS double check firing order & wires and the rotor in the distrib should be facing #1 cylinder at TDC #1 up

 

[jeff caudill]

I went with a one wire alternator,I'm not a mechanic in any way! Was just trying to help out! sounded a lot like what I was dealing with..good luck

 

[uwss]

One wire alternator: pulled the distributor took everything off and started over:
1. TDC no.1 - both valves closed
2. hand turned the crank so the balancer was on TDC
3. made sure the rotor is facing a terminal and designated it as no.1
4. firing order-18436572
5. reinstalled everything and fixin to fire it up: crossing my fingers.

 

[MoparMitch]

Counter Clockwise Firing Order.

 

[gtxno1]

compression stroke

Counter Clockwise Firing Order.

2 valves being closed means nothing you must be on the compression stroke with the 2 valves closed

- - - Updated - - -

remember the crank turns 2 times to the cams 1 time also please check that you have the firing order going in the right direction as the distributor turns click the key watch the rotor and that will be the direction that the firing order will go in

 

[PurpleBeeper]

Ok, I have spark from a MSD 6AL, verified gas flow,
MSD Pro billet distributor; I guess I didn't install the distributor properly.

I set TDC no.1; set initital timing to 18 degrees by rotating the crankshaft. I dropped the oil shaft in so it is parallel to the crankshaft. I put the distributor in and the rotor aligned in between 2 distributor terminals but closer to one. I called MSD and they it said would not point directly at one terminal.
does it matter if the oil gear slot is perfectly aligned with the crankshaft or do I need to rotate it so the rotor will align with terminal 1 on the distributor cap ?

So, why doesn't it start ?

And to answer your question...YES, you need to make sure the slot on oil pump/distributor drive gear lines up in a such a way that the rotor points directly at the #1 plug wire at TDC (so I'm not sure what the MSD guys were smoking when you called them). You can just move the plug wires one over (all of them, one at a time) on the distributor cap OR see which general direction you would like the rotor to point & pull the oil pump/dist. drive gear out & slide back in a more favorable direction. You have a lot of room to play with, but at some point the vacuum advance on the distributor will hit something right in the range where you want to adjust timing. I always liked to set mine so the vacuum advance canister was in the middle of the open space.

Also check the distributor rotation like 68Chicken said (counter-clockwise for big blocks) and also check that you aren't 180-degrees out (exactly backwards) since the distributor shaft will fit in backwards in the oil pump/dist drive.

 

[uwss]

I pulled the spark plug and verified TDC; so, I advanced the distributor from TDC and it finally started. I ran it for 20 minutes at 2000 rpm to break the motor in. Anyone have any ideas on engine breakin ?

 

[bigmanjbmopar]

What do you mean any ideas on break in? sounds like you just got it broke in lol. All I would advise is change the oil and filter after a few hundred miles. just to be safe. This a stock motor? Got pics?

 

[mopar12372]

run break in oil (the oil thats in it for about 500 miles to seat the rings then chage oil make sure the oil has zddp . just make sure the timing isnt retarded air fuel isnt too lean . when broken in make adjustments , this is what i do.

 

[uwss]

 

[uwss]

520 stroker: eagle crank and rods, mahle flat top pistons, 11:1 compression, comp cam drag cam, 4 speed A833 rebuilt, 4:10 rear end, MSD ignition 6 AL, MSD vibration blaster coil, MSD pro billet distributor, external oiler(going to adjust to 60 psi at 2500 rpm) Holley whisper quiet electric fuel pump, with QFT bypass regulator, Edelbrock RPM heads, weiand super stock intake with Holley 6 pack rebuilt by Promax and dynoed at their shop($175 well worth the money) inner panels are made out of kevlar/carbon fiber, kevlar and 2 layers of carbon fiber, hose candy water fittings and vacuum lines ( quick disconnect), bypass line was ran with SS teflon, I will convert all my lines to this; teflon SS is easy to make.

solid roller lifters and cam, Harland sharp roller rockers.

 

[spcedwards214]

sounds pretty awesome........... i'm building mine now. Thinking about going pro flo xl efi.

 

[eldubb440]

with the solid roller lifters, was the 2000 rpm break in even necessary?

 

[Bigal75]

Nope. No need to break in the cam. ;)