The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Got Gas, Got spark, won't start, take two!

I've read this thread and seem to have the same problem he had. Got Gas, got spark, won\'t start!

The carburetor is getting gas to the throttle body just like him. I used the shop book to set the #1 cylinder with the flywheel arrow and bead. Using the 12 o'clock position on the dist. cap, my #1 is at 4 o'clock position. All the pictures and advice have there #1's at 6 with firing continuing at 53624. Am I missing something? I've also rotated the distributor with the "octane selector". I also think its firing because I can smell something burned and its not gas fumes. The engine also "lugs" non uniformely when cranking and then smoother when the ignition is off. I've tried the plugs in uniform rotation and get two backfires through the carb. What would that mean?

Like GMC53, I have limited tools at hand and can't check specific compression, vacuum, timing light, etc. How do I hand crank a '46 216 with a wrench? I'm afraid to use much starter fluid or if I should how much and often. I've asked a few questions before dealing with this and still can't seem to find the answer. There just appears to be no combustion yet I've checked and checked again for compression, spark, fuel, air; yet nothing happens and I have them all.