Sorry Y'all, I have to vent.
We're trying to start our recently swapped 55' 235 in our 49' 3600. The engine was purchased used from a nice bloke who had a video of the engine recently running before he swapped it out for a 350.
It won't start!
-We have spark
-We have enough fuel (squirt from carb with throttle opening) Tired starting fluid too.
-We have compression (not sure how much yet)
-I've physically checked timing. On TDC, valves are closed, distributor is pointing at number 1.
-Firing order is correct
-It's a 6V system. Tried cranking w/ 12V on starter only.
-Tried to tow start. It was back firing and the intake/exhaust were smoking.
-Tore down the carburetor which looked recently rebuilt. All check balls were free and everything seemed in order.
-Did I mention we checked timing!
I'm pretty confident the engine is mechanically sound but will be checking compression and valve lash. At this point I'm convinced it's a fueling issue with the Rochester... who knows! I'll probably pull off the exhaust to rule out back pressure issues.
We do get occasional "catches" with an initial squirt of starting fluid but then it just cranks. After attempting the tow start it would crank and just barley try to stay running with continued cranking and throttle manipulation.
So annoyed!! Although I do feel slightly better after getting this off my chest
Thanks for listening
