Ignition problems on 351W

Discussion in 'Technical' started by MP1966, Sep 3, 2008.

  1. MP1966

    MP1966 Member

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    We are having problems with the ignition on our new 351W engine. The engine will start and idle OK. When you rev the engine past 1500 RPM's, the engine develops a pretty severe miss. The engine pops thru the exhaust alot when you close the throttle. We have verified the firing order is correct.

    I tried getting #1 cylinder as close to TDC as I could. Also dropped in the duraspark distributor pointing as close to #1 on the dist. cap as possible.
    The car starts and runs BUT, only if you turn the dist. clockwise (advanced) until it's maxed out. Next my dad tried moving all the plug wires 1 position clockwise. This seemed to help but advance travel has a very narrow range of adjustment.

    Surely we are making a simple mistake here. Advice appreciated!

    Thanks,
    Mark P.
     
    MP1966, Sep 3, 2008
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  2. igoback70

    igoback70 Member

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    Think about what you just said (The car starts and runs BUT, only if you turn the dist. clockwise (advanced) until it's maxed out.) More than likely the problem lies in your dist. to cam timing.:anyone:
     
    igoback70, Sep 3, 2008
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  3. Mavman72

    Mavman72 Gone backwards but lookin' forward

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    Get #1 cyl to TDC on the compression stroke.(pull the spark plug to do this)Put your thumb over the hole like Frank does and bump the engine over till you get your finger popped off the spark plug hole.Pull right valve cover and verify both rockers are loose for the #1 cyl and the push rods rotate with little resistance.Now see where your rotor is pointing.If its not pointing to the #1 plug wire on the dist cap.Pull the dist and line it up again then see what happens.Dont use the marks on the balancer to verify TDC.It may be inaccurate due to slippage.Good luck.
     
    Mavman72, Sep 3, 2008
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  4. don graham

    don graham MCG State Rep

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    Sounds to me like your distributor is off a notch or two. I'd also make sure you're on TDC again, and make sure it lines up to #1. Good luck.:)
     
    don graham, Sep 3, 2008
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  5. badassmav

    badassmav Member

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    Pull the plug, like they have said, spin engine over till it pushes compression out, then pull cap, wherever the rotor is pointing that's number one, it doesn't matter where on the cap as long as you find #1 then follow the firing order counter clockwise, it may take a few try's to get the vacuum adv. can in the middle of the space you have between the water neck and intake.
     
    badassmav, Sep 8, 2008
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