FC w/ Ford 5.0 cant get my car started, running out of ideas

[Orracle]

Hello all, I am having some trouble getting my car started for the first time.

Here is my setup:
FC with 1993 5.0 HO from mustang
Carb conversion with this ignition setup (gm hei) http://www.carbdford.com/tech/HEI/hei.htm

The car is getting fuel and spark but I just can't get the timing down or thats what I think it is. At first the it was backfiring through the carb, a little bit a research and I guess I had my distributor off 180 degrees. The crank would read 0 degrees at tdc but piston 1 was at the top of exhaust stroke instead of compression stroke. So I got piston 1 at tdc of compression stroke and the rotor in the distributor right on the number 1 wire. Tried to start the car again and it seems like it backfires with the exhaust valve still open, car popped breifly but then still wouldn't start.

I have checked my ignition wires and they are all hooked up correctly and we can see the spark plugs getting spark
Also I have checked and checked to make sure the spark plug wires are correct and in the correct spots on the distributor. Is there something I am missing? I am just baffled as to what is could be I dont know what else to try in regards to the timing of the engine. Could it be something else entirely such as a flooded engine??

[altron32]

what cam does it have? HO or none? there is 2 different firing orders.

[Orracle]

The car has the stock 5.0 ho cam as far as I know, it was used. I guess I could try the non ho firing order

Sent from my LG-P925 using Tapatalk 2

[digitalsolo]

Fuel pressure?

Your distributor isn't locking timing advance way up or anything, right?

I'd be surprised if a 4/7 swap would stop a car from starting, though it wouldn't run particularly well.

Sorry, we've now covered all of my carb/distributor knowledge.   

[MoparX]

What happens when you put a timing light on it?  Is it showing to be timed correctly or are you just guessing?

Also how do you have the timing chain installed?  Did you line up the marks on the sprokets?

You're not accidentally mistaking anoher cylinder for #1 are you?

I'm not trying to insult your intellegence, but we have no idea how experienced you are. Just trying to help.

[Orracle]

What happens when you put a timing light on it?  Is it showing to be timed correctly or are you just guessing?

Also how do you have the timing chain installed?  Did you line up the marks on the sprokets?

You're not accidentally mistaking anoher cylinder for #1 are you?

I'm not trying to insult your intellegence, but we have no idea how experienced you are. Just trying to help.

Lol its all good man these swaps are all one big learning process.

My motor was pulled from a wrecked 93 LX, I never touched the timing chain so I assume its in the right position but it wouldn't hurt to make sure.

Number 1 cylinder is the very front passenger side according to the Haynes manual.

As for the timing light Ive never used one before, I always thought the light was used to fine tune the timing once you got the car running. I timed it by putting the #1 at TDC and putting the rotor to the #1 wire, I figured the would at least get the car started but I guess not.

[digitalsolo]

You know that it goes like this, right?

4  8
3  7
2  6
1  5

[Orracle]

You know that it goes like this, right?

4  8
3  7
2  6
1  5

Yep that's the same order as in the Haynes manual.

[KCDAN]

looking through your past posts, you had to pull a head, right? Did you get all of that shit put back right?

[Orracle]

looking through your past posts, you had to pull a head, right? Did you get all of that shit put back right?

Ha nice research, yeah I did have to pull the heads. Installed new trick flow gaskets, arp bolts, and new pushrods.

Motor turns freely has good compression and all the valves appear to be operating correctly, turned in over several times with the valve covers off

Sent from my LG-P925 using Tapatalk 2

[MoparX]

I'd start by putting a timing light on it to make sure it's somewhat close.  If you don't own one you can borrow one from autozone, but I'd suggest buying one, you'll end up needing it anyway.


If you can, get one with an adjustable advance.  It makes it so much easier to figure out what you total timing is set at.  Better than a timing tape for sure.  This is the one I've got, and I picked it up from my local parts store.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ANM-CP7528/

[5.O_Leary]

I've ran into thIs same problem with cam swaps..try the non HO firing order