Engine hard to start
 

had to change my HEI module so i pulled the distributor and replaced the module and the coil at the same time. Once I got the truck started, I adjusted timing at around 8 degress based on mark on balancer. Since then the truck is very hard to start. The engine turns over real good but seems to flood and then smoke pours out of the carb without starting. I have to press the gas pedal to the floor and continue to try to start the engine. I keep the gas pedal floored and start trying to crank the engine. When I stop cranking the engine it putters to a start. I've adjusted timing numerous times all causing the engine to maybe start better but run worse. Can't seem to pinpoint problem. Any suggestions?

Re: Engine hard to start
 

Sounds like a stuck or miss adjusted choke. Definitely a fuel problem if you have to hold the throttle open to get it to start.

Re: Engine hard to start
 

what did you do to run electricity to the HEI?

Re: Engine hard to start
 

The resistor wire is bypassed. HEI is getting 12 volts. It was starting fine before the HEI module went out. Do you think I may be off a tooth on the distributor?

Re: Engine hard to start
 

Have someone turn the engine over while checking the timing, you might be off on the dist.

Re: Engine hard to start
 

what is your base timing at?
Does the vac advance work? (unhook the hose from the intake/carb and suck on it)
Is the vac advance hooked to engine vac, or ported vac?
Are you getting spark knock... or 'pinging' when you drive it?

Re: Engine hard to start
 

O.k. readjusted distributor one tooth ccw and no more backfire thru carb or whatever was causing the smoke. Starts pretty easy. Set base timing at 9 degrees btdc. Also, no more pinging when accelerating.

Question,
the dist vac is connected to front of carb. Very little vac at idle but there is a tiny little. I assume this is ported vac. There's another port on front of carb that has full vac at idle. I assume this is engine vac. Which one should dist be connected to? Does either make a difference on where to set timing?

Re: Engine hard to start
 

From what I seen in posts on here if your engine is pretty well stock it should be ported vacuum.

When setting the timing I always disconnect and plug the vacuum line to the distributor.

Danny