I've got some engine issues that I need help with. First the facts: 1953 3100, 12V conversion, new wire harness, 1961 235 engine, 216 flywheel and starter (6v). Yesterday, I removed the distributor and primed the oil system. Afterward, I reinstalled the distributor and did the static timing. Today, I tried to fire the engine. After several unsuccessful attempts, the engine fired, but would not run on it's own, meaning no idle. The engine would not start without using ether. The engine would not run well at low RPM's but would run well at about 1500 RPM's. The engine would run at that RPM until I let off of the gas, then it would sputter and quit. The engine would not immediately restart, without the use of ether. After several times of starting, running, stopping, repeat, I noticed a bunch of liquid on the ground and in the tailpipe. There was what looked like water to me. There was no oil in this liquid. For this initial engine run, I have distilled water in the radiator, not anti-freeze. It seems to me that I have several different issues. The first is the engine not starting without ether. The second is not idling. Third is rough running at low RPM. Fourth is stumbling and quitting when I let off the gas. Fifth is the liquid in the tailpipe and on the ground behind the tailpipe. I'm in unfamiliar territory, so I really need all of the suggestions that I can get. Thanks in advance!
