[Camaro1969]

2 questions:

1. would your your timing play a big part of when you try to start the engine? in other words, if your timing is completely off, and starts on occasions, would this be related heavily to timing... after a few cranks of trying, it sometimes starts, it sometime doesnt..

2. with your timing being off, would it cause your flywheel to turn and then spit backwards and rub against your starter pinion, causing a clunking noise?

[1969 RS/SS DROPTOP]

Yep sounds like the timing is on the high side if it's kicking back.

[Camaro1969]

so to get it to start, without the clunking, would i advance the timing or retard it?

[1969 RS/SS DROPTOP]

Retard it if it's hard starting and kicking back.

[Camaro1969]

before trying to start it? if i do that, the rotor will move and then wont i have to set it to tdc, and point plug 1 to first cylinder?

[1969 RS/SS DROPTOP]

Point the rotor to the number 1 plugwire on the cap.

[Andrew69]

Originally Posted by Camaro1969

before trying to start it? if i do that, the rotor will move and then wont i have to set it to tdc, and point plug 1 to first cylinder?

Just turn the distributor a couple of degrees, with the engine off, and then try to start it. Once it runs on it's own pretty well, use a timing light to set the timing.

Originally Posted by 1969 RS/SS DROPTOP

Point the rotor to the number 1 plugwire on the cap.

You should have already done this. If not do it first.

[Camaro1969]

yes its already set to 1, and i will turn it a few degrees, i think it is too far to advanced, causing it to kick back

[deerhunter]

You could also loosen the hold-down bolt, have someone crank the engine, and turn the distributor by hand in small movements to get it started. After it is running then use the light.

[SPARKY69]

start all over again...get it on tdc, up on number 1 and check your cap and your wires and your marks on the balancer and use a timing light, put it on 16-18 initial and 34-36 total..