The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 235 wants to fire!

Hey everyone, I'm looking for advice on how to get my 54 chevy 3800 with a inline 235 started. I have been able to get it to sputter but don't know how to get it to actually take off. I tried putting ether in it and that helped but it won't do more than a few puffs. The truck hasn't run in like 20 years and has pretty bad compression which probably doesn't help. I'm hoping the rings will pop lose once the block warms up. What should I do?

Thanks

Follow the engine wake up procedures that were just described here:

https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1222947/1.html

My advice would be to vary the timing back and forth in very small increments. There should be a small flange with a mounting bolt that goes into the block, at the base of the distributor. It has degree lines marked on it. Just loosen the bolt some, rotate and snug it up. It sounds like you are almost there.

Quit using starting fluid! Good way to mess up a perfectly good engine. Pour a tablespoon or three of gas down the carb instead. Read through and follow the Tech Tip mentioned above.