I made a few cardinal errors taking an engine that was running nice to OK and decided to make changes to make it run nicer - and fouled things up so it will not stay running, backfires and dies severe kick back on hand crank

What I did wrong

First it is an old distributor system, I PULLED the distributor to grease lower unit without marking position - yup wrong. I reset the distributor by placing number 1 piston TDC, then slightly cranked engine until piston 1 just started to move off TDC Then set distributor cam for points open rotor set at number 1 in relation to rotor cap and reseated distributor (adjusting for rotation on cam gear (distributor rotates clockwise) as I pushed gears together (rotor turns of course when gars mesh)

I have good spark at points on all 4 distributor lobes (seems like a double spark over 5 degrees of travel) dwell set at 22 degrees

Big problem is I also changed 2 other variables,put in 4 new autolite F11's gapped at 025 AND changed the coil to a 12 volt (using 12) that said needs to be run with a external resistor

I have a Moderate spark on each plug firing in proper order 1243 seems just after TDC measuring at piston travel

I am guessing either my spark is too weak so it wont fire under compression or more probable, the timing is way off. I have a strobe light and have marked the fan belt engine pulley every 90 degrees If I can get the engine to run again I can check timing

As I said big kick back when it starts and dies so I figure timing is really set BTDC Any hints on setting a distributor appreciated After 2 6 hour days of patient work I am stumped on my stupid error

I nominate myself as the "what not to do for this week award"

I will nominat

Are you sure when you set timing at TDC that the engine is not 180 deg out? and not on in fact on a firing stroke

At first it sounded like its 1 tooth off. You installed a 12 volt coil, but no mention of 12 volt battery, running off of 6 volt? Can't use strobe light on fan pulley, not reliable enough. Make sure its 12 volt coil and 12 volt battery or 6 volt on both. If it still is giving problems, retard the distributor one tooth. Let us know what you find. Remember, one thing at a time or you will continously chase your tail.

I think Chris has the right idea. The #1 piston travels to TDC on the comprerssion stroke and the exhaust stroke. You may have set your timing on the wrong stroke....

Sure sounds like 180 degrees out...for a simple test without tearing it all apart again, just walk the spark wires around 180 and try again.

Excellent ideas I am using 12 volt 12 volt

I HAD thought compression only on the power stroke and that was the only time both exhaust and intake valves were closed The way it really backfires and kicks back makes me believe I am 180 degrees out shoot shoot shoot Thanks guys for the reminder

I could kick myself hopefully messing around I did not damage the crank etc

Quit beating yourself up. You're in good hands and your didn't hunt anything. Inexpensive techniques for a good running T. Enjoy.

YEA SUCCESS thanks to you guys great advice. It was 180 degrees out! Now starts up on the first pull of the crank. Also found the cause of the erratic miss that started this chase, a loose ground wire connection between the coil and distributor. Time to take my new exchange student for a ride

Well David - what is it the ol' farts says: If it aint broke, don't fix it!
Good you are back on the streets.