Hello, I got a 1974 Camaro around a year ago and have been working on it, off and on. My problem is I can't get the car started...The P.O. had the 350ci engine rebuilt and told me that the car backfired (didn't say what type of back fire). I figured it was a timing problem but when I first tried to start the car, it would just crank and crank over again and again but would not start. I'd like to get the camaro to start. If you could help me, I'd appreciate that a lot. Also, when I'm trying to crank it over the TEMP and I think the OIL light stay on. I don't know if that will help anyone solve my problem. Yes, I made sure the battery is good and it is and connections are good, too.

Adam...

First you need to check/set the timing. Pull the first plug on the drivers side (front) of the engine. Have some one crank the engine with the coil wire off while you put your finger over the plug hole. You will feel a weak and strong pressure trying to push your finger out or away from the hole. The strong push should be TDC or "Top Dead Center".

Now, pop the distributor car off and see where the rotor points. It should be pointing at the middle of the motor or 6:30 on a watch. If it isn't you need to pull it , rotate the rotor and put back in at 6:30 , then tighten it down and put the cap on. Check the firing order on the cap to the plug wires. The drivers side is 1 3 5 7 and the passenger side is 2 4 6 8 from the front. The number one on the cap ( after the window ) of at 6:35 is your number 1 plug wire. From there clockwise it is 18436572 so put the plug wires into the cap and on each plug. When done....try and start. When done set the timing with a timing light and tightening everything up. Have Fun!!!


Kev

If you get the distributor in 180* out it will crank and crank with an occational BLAM! from the carb.

how much has the motor been cranked without getting it to fire?
if it is a fresh motor with a new cam and lifters, you might have wiped all the lube off the lobes.
might not be a bad idea to pull the intake and loosen a few rocker arms so you can pull the lifters and see if they still have some lube on them. if not, i'd probably put a big booger of lube on the base of each lifter and put it back in.