[floor man]

I have a 302 in a kit car, the casting # on the block starts E0 so I think it's a 1980 block. I can't get it started. I have replaced the battery, starter, coil, wires, plugs, cap and rotor, alternator, control module, solenoid, and other electrical parts I can't think of at the moment. I also replaced the timing chain. Considering the car is a fiberglass body I have made sure that all of these components are properly grounded. It cranks, I have good spark, fresh fuel, and I can't even get it to backfire. I have adjusted timing more than once, checked firing order, still nothing. I'm running out of ideas. What am I missing?

 

[85ltdcrownvic]

Let’s start with the basics. Is it carb’d or efi? Have you verified it’s getting fuel into the chambers? Which firing order is the cam?

 

[floor man]

Let’s start with the basics. Is it carb’d or efi? Have you verified it’s getting fuel into the chambers? Which firing order is the cam


Thanks for your interest. carb is edlebrock 4bl. cam is 351 windsor firing order 13726548. I know the fuel is getting to the carb , if it's not getting to the chambers I think I would have puddles of fuel backing up. How would I test for this without pulling the intake ?

 

[85ltdcrownvic]

You could pull the plugs and check them for gas. How exactly did you time it? And what are you using for ignition?

 

[floor man]

the plugs are new and smell like they are getting fuel. Ignition is het ford. Most recent timing was when I replaced the timing chain, #1 cylinder at tdc and distributor rotor pointing to #1 and then a few degrees advance and few retard. Couldn't get a pop

 

[85ltdcrownvic]

Did you have the valve cover off to ensure it’s tdc of the compression stroke? Not trying to belittle you but it’s best to check all your bases. And when you checked spark did you check at the coil, dizzy or plugs?

 

[R.S.LOGAN]

You sure you are using the correct firing order for your year / set up ?

What Is The Firing Order For A Ford 302 Engine? – McNally Institute

www.mcnallyinstitute.com

AND

 

[floor man]

Did you have the valve cover off to ensure it’s tdc of the compression stroke? Not trying to belittle you but it’s best to check all your bases. And when you checked spark did you check at the coil, dizzy or plugs?

Yes ,, valve covers off both valves closed. I even had a plug tool in #1 to stop piston at tdc. I grounded plug to block to check spark. thanks

 

[floor man]

You sure you are using the correct firing order for your year / set up ?

What Is The Firing Order For A Ford 302 Engine? – McNally Institute

www.mcnallyinstitute.com

AND

yes the 5.0 firing order was the 13726548. standard 302 was 15426378. I don't know if efi was available in 1908

 

[85ltdcrownvic]

Maybe the spark is weak. Kind of a stupid question but do you have compression? Have you tried slightly holding the gas down while cranking?

 

[R.S.LOGAN]

I dont think " I don't know if efi was available in 1908 " it was in that year Joking aside , try with a jump start and using easy start .You never know with cars , stranger things have happened .

 

[Big Block Ford]

With everything you have explained here if you have a good spark then I would be suspecting the ignition timing or firing order.

Check you dont have a large vacum leak somewhere too.

It must be close to getting fired up with all you have explained.

 

[sp4jeff]

Did you change camshaft ? If the lift was higher than stock and you did not allow for that it is possible valve lash is not correct and you do not have compression. Run a compression check and let us know the readings, are the heads still stock. Maybe this will be of help