At witts end

[ak.walker_ii]

I have done a recent top end rebuild on my 2.9L and cannot get it to start. I have replaced several sensors, the fuel pressure regulator and water pump. I cleaned the injectors and purged them with compressed air and a battery. I get good fuel spray from all cylinders in order with the plugs removed and have replaced the DCM and pickup which vastly improved the spark. The compression test 120 on all cylinders and the timing is spot on. I do have the exhaust removed right now because a clogged cat was suspect. When I crank it exhaust comes from the manifolds but it tends to backfire through them as well. Could having the exhaust removed prevent the engine from starting and what else should I try?

 

[Spitfire1975]

did you set all your base timing/distributor with the #1 cylinder at TDC on the compression stroke or are you off 180*?

 

[kimcrwbr1]

are you getting power to the start pin on the dizzy(TFI)connector unplug the start solenoid wire from the ignition so it dont crank and have someone turn the key to start and check for power to the start pin on the TFI or yea it is easyer to rotate the wires 180 on the dizzy than rotate the rotor either way will work but kinna sounds like the ignition switch wire or connector to me. The tech library will tell you which pins do what on the TFI.

 

[yodaman1151]

sounds like timing to me

 

[low_five]

sounds 180 out to me.

 

[Hotrodlincoln]

Timings off or the the plug wires are on wrong. Both easy mistakes to make.

 

[ak.walker_ii]

I checked the timing several times. It has a directional rotor on this distributor that can only be installed one way. I used a timing light on it and it is at 10 before TDC right on. I just ordered a timing chain which I should have done when I had it all apart. I did turn it counter-clockwise a couple of times while adjusting the valves and the manual said that this could cause the chain to jump. With 250K miles on it, it needs to be replaced anyway.

Thanks for the advice. I'll let ya know how it turns out.

 

[Big Jim M]

Walker do this first! Since everyone here thinks you have the timing 180* out, me too btw! Pull the dist wires one at a time and swap them 3 spaces ahead in the dist. We think you have the #1 firing on the exhaust instead of the intake..
So by moving all the wires in the same rotation but 3 spaces ahead (or behind, makes no differance) you should have it really close to being timed.
Big Jim

 

[ak.walker_ii]

I appreciate all the help guys. I realized on my way to work that I hadn't confirmed that it was TDC on the compression stroke. I switched everything around and it fired right up. Thanks for the help.

 

[vpcoded]

congrats

 

[MrE_Powers]

is it still for sale? stl craigs list?