Quote " I rotated the cap a slight bit more, and was able to get it to fire up. It took about 15 seconds with the starter going and it trying to catch." End quote
A couple of times you have alluded to "maybe its low compression".
The described symptom above, while it can be many things, is a classic example of trying to start an engine with low compression. Also, an engine with low compression will take longer to warm to normal temperature, and may need to be run at a high idle for an extended period to warm. A compression test may (or may not) prove interesting. But once and for all a compression test would confirm/deny good compression.
Jerry's method of finding TDC is a tried and true method. Basically, you put an engine stop in the spark plug hole of number one cylinder (the bolt). It needs to protrude in the cylinder lower than the top of the piston. Then, as you assumed, slowly, turn the engine by hand, not with the starter clockwise until it contacts the bolt and make your mark. Now, reverse the direction of the rotation of the engine turning slowly until the engine stops. Make your second mark. As Jerry stated, TDC will be exactly half way between the two marks. If mathematics is your forte, you are approaching a limit from opposite directions.
If you really wanted to prove this, after the first two tests/marks, you could reposition the stop higher in the cylinder, rerun the tests, and the two marks would be closer together. Continuing to reposition the stop slightly higher would eventually have the two marks adjacent to each other (the exact midpoint from the first two tests).
Stay with it.
Jon.
Jon (Carbking) I really liked your response. In all my years of troubleshooting I've found that quite typically it's two or three small issues that alone might not be the deciding factor but combined with another issue can put you in an out of service situation. I asked my local shop to borrow their compression tester, tomorrow I'll hopefully get it and get a chance to check it out, though I won't likely get too far until Monday next week as I will need to leave for work and will be working out of town over the weekend. This 327 I received used, and the previous owner said it was out of a '67 or '68 Camaro, and the casting number confirms this though the heads are a mid-70's low compression type. The engine, when running, has that lumpy cam typical of a 275-350 horse 327 motor, but I have noticed some odd characteristics, such as easy to turn over, occasionally dies after revving, rough running when cold. Back in the late 80's I had a 350 in my Chevelle and when I rebuilt it I used 10.5:1 forged pistons and small-chamber 57cc heads. That motor was so tight it broke 3 starters before I could get it broken in.
Only thing I'm getting stuck on is how to create this engine stop to place in the #1 hole. I figure I can make something but I'm not sure where to start. If I can purchase something I'd be willing to do that as well.
