I'm looking for a few tips on where to look for a problem I'm having. I'm trying to startup my brand-new 383. got everything hooked up, poured a bit of fuel down the vent tube, went to start it, it cranked twice and fired up. It ran for a second or two and shut off. Seemed like it burned the fuel I had poured into the carb and then shut off. Tried the same thing again, it turns over but won't catch. I don't want to crank it anymore in order to protect the cam. Any ideas on where to start. Seems like spark is good since it caught right away on the first attempt. Although, I'm not sure why it wouldn't fire again.

[ 07-18-2003, 07:54 AM: Message edited by: GregD ]

Got spark OK, got fuel flow?
Greg D (also)

what's the easiest way to check the fuel flow? I figured by pouring a bit more fuel into the vent tube I'd at least get it to fire up again for a few secs. no such luck

fill the bowls of the carb before u start up.

screw off the float-bolts and fill it from there, u can also fill the fuel-line so it wont have to pump it all up from the tank.

If your timing is off a bit (typical on startup) and you are having trouble getting the fuel system primed, I can see how she might be hard to start.

You might pull a couple plugs and see if they are gas fouled. Sometimes you can clean them up on a bench grinder with a wire wheel and get them to fire again.

Good luck.

Is the pump mechanical or electric? If mechanical, is the pushrod installed? Are the lines connected correctly?

-dnult

That is exactly what mine did, fired right away then woudn't run anymore or even fire again for a long time getting fuel and spark. It ended up that my timing was set at 0 initial after it finally started, it is now at 20. this made it run extremely hot,especially the headers which cought the spark boots on fire. Check the timing.