i had guessed that it was the timing mark- but i figured it was best to try and forget everything i thought i knew since it didnt work. i wish it was a Quadrajet- its a 4jet. quadrajets are my preferred carb by far, and the 4jet that is on it has a narrow base so i cant just swap it with a new square bore. thanks for the run through- probably didnt help that i was trying to figure it out at 2 in the morning. well rested and all coffee'd up i think ill give it another try!
