keltongta

I am at my wits end. I have broken 2 starters and stripped a flywheel.

The problem, when I try to start the engine rotates then fires so early that it rotates the engine backwards against the starter, destroying the starter and flywheel.

I have replace: Distributor, cap&rotor, plugs&wires, Timing gears both cam and crank with Steel. Harmonic damper, flywheel and starter.

Check and rechecked for timing issues, New standalone ECM is controlling Timing and is set to retard timing at startup. IF engine does start it runs VERY Smooth, but huge hesitation.

Could I be looking at a broken Camshaft somewhere after the distributor?? because everything else is staying in time.
I have also checked to make sure the lifters are moving while cranking the engine over.

ANy help is greatly appreciated, The engine was purchased out of another truck that Had a broken starter, but it started and ran just fine with another starter.

Myron's

first things first.
When I start timing, this is what I do:
1. There is a number 1 on the distributor cap between the center post and the spark plug wire. That goes to the cylinder closest to the front. Then follow the firing order for the rest.
2. Take out the front plug and turn the crank slowly with a wrench. stick your finger over the hole and you can tell which stroke is compression (there will be pressure coming out). When you feel pressure, with a screwdriver in the hole you can feel the top of the piston. Stop when the piston is at the top. Then you can insert the distributor so that the distributor cap rotor points to the #1 on the cap.
3. Then I loosen the distributor timing bolt so I can turn it by hand but it won't move by itself.
4. Have someone start it and move the distributor timing till it runs smooth.
That should get you in the right ballpark.

Eric Fullerton

is the Spout in place? That holds the timing for the fuel injected engines. you remove it to set the initial, then replace it to let the computer take over.

raski

Good point about SPOT. Impossible to properly set timing when you are fighting the Pcm. I got to admit, my 4.9 is the quickest starting engine I ever had. I never had the starter/ flywheel issues however.