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Old 02-23-2021, 07:46 PM   #1
Bustingear
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Default Trouble shoot 1950 8Ba initial start up Help

Need some help with the initial start on my 8BA .Trying to get it running after a refurbish. Running two 94's
1. Spark is present -checked it with a screwdriver on #1 plug and its showing on its correct turn around.
2. There is fuel pressure through the mechanical pump and the 94's are squirting ok. I had trouble getting the plugs wet however. Poured gas down the carbs, sprayed ether down the carbs, put some gas directly in the chambers through the spark plug holes with a syringe. and still having trouble getting them wet.
3.Spun it around several times and not even getting a chug. Starter and battery are new and strong.
4. Initially found TDC by lining up the dot with the pointer , used a bump starter to make sure i was on the compression stroke and air pushed out . Put the rotor to Number one.

Started to question if i have the right distributor and took some pictures. Even though getting spark looks like its not seated (see picture) The tag on dizzy has been cleaned away but the #620 is there. I also wonder of the offy heads are machined correctly to seat the distributor (see picture)
also wonder if the have the timing gear /crank and cam positioned correctly for timing from initial assembly. Its been along time since build. Can that even be screwed up? Would really appreciate some advice from folks who have or are currently good with the 8BA motor.
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Old 02-23-2021, 08:35 PM   #2
tubman
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Default Re: Trouble shoot 1950 8Ba initial start up Help

First, I would suggest that you take that silly dual carb wannabe off and put a single carb on the manifold. Second, pull the distributor and take a look at the bottom of the shaft. There may be an incompatibility between the distributor and the front cover. Some distributors have an extended shaft below the gear. If you have a front cover that doesn't have the provision for the extended shaft, you'll have trouble. Has this combination (heads, distributor, front cover) ever run together before?

(I'd much rather discuss stuff like this than my age.)

Last edited by tubman; 02-23-2021 at 08:54 PM.
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Old 02-23-2021, 09:30 PM   #3
Bustingear
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Default Re: Trouble shoot 1950 8Ba initial start up Help

the distributor was with the motor when i bought it not running. Any pictures of the cover and dizzy you are talking about?
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Old 02-23-2021, 11:32 PM   #4
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Default Re: Trouble shoot 1950 8Ba initial start up Help

Pull the distributor cap and see if the rotor goes around smoothly.

Maybe this will help :
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Old 02-24-2021, 03:20 AM   #5
51 MERC-CT
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Default Re: Trouble shoot 1950 8Ba initial start up Help

Perhaps to help clarify timing cover compatibility with distributor type.

Distributor type A is generally meant to fit cover type A.
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Old 02-24-2021, 07:44 AM   #6
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Ok the Distributor is the one without the extension. I will attempt to id the cover today and will perform some inspections and report back
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Old 02-24-2021, 07:47 AM   #7
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Default Re: Trouble shoot 1950 8Ba initial start up Help

Question? I do understand that the crank and cam gears need to line up with the markings once both are installed but when you put the timing gear on the cam what insures that is in the correct orientation for the lobes?
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Old 02-24-2021, 07:50 AM   #8
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Default Re: Trouble shoot 1950 8Ba initial start up Help

A little Starting fluid down the carb should fire if it has spark. Do you have a timing light or spark tester to make sure you have a good healthy spark.
My Dad was always telling me you needed 3 things for a motor to run, spark, fuel and compression.
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Old 02-24-2021, 08:05 AM   #9
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Default Re: Trouble shoot 1950 8Ba initial start up Help

starting fluid has been used to no avail. Used screw driver on plug and it shows spark appears good and strong
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Old 02-24-2021, 08:05 AM   #10
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Default Re: Trouble shoot 1950 8Ba initial start up Help

Question? I do understand that the crank and cam gears need to line up with the markings once both are installed but when you put the timing gear on the cam what insures that is in the correct orientation for the lobes?
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Old 02-24-2021, 08:16 AM   #11
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Default Re: Trouble shoot 1950 8Ba initial start up Help

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bustingear View Post
Question? I do understand that the crank and cam gears need to line up with the markings once both are installed but when you put the timing gear on the cam what insures that is in the correct orientation for the lobes?
With the tooth alignment dot facing out the bolt hole pattern only allows it to go on one way.
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Old 02-24-2021, 08:19 AM   #12
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Default Re: Trouble shoot 1950 8Ba initial start up Help

Here is what happen to me... Had the same set-up, including the dual 94's. Even had a new "Bubba's" Distributor. I assembled the engine myself and yet some knucklehead had installed the distributor 180 degrees out of time. Can you believe that someone would sneak in my garage and do that?
Well I corrected the mischievous act and it fired right up.
I liked the dual carb set-up just because of the old school look. If you are having problems getting it up and running cut off fuel to the second carb and get it going. Use a Uni-sync tool to set those carbs. Worth the investment.
I believe (been a long time ago) that the cam gear will only go on cam one way, just align the dots and tighten it up.
Keep your shop locked at night so "that guy" won't mess with you project like he did with mine... Enjoy the adventure... Chap
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Old 02-24-2021, 08:30 AM   #13
51 MERC-CT
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Default Re: Trouble shoot 1950 8Ba initial start up Help

Quote:
Originally Posted by tubman View Post
First, I would suggest that you take that silly dual carb wannabe off and put a single carb on the manifold.
Have to agree with this.
It doesn't make any more sense than this 4 carb set up.
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Old 02-24-2021, 08:35 AM   #14
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Default Re: Trouble shoot 1950 8Ba initial start up Help

51 merc....Bingo and thanks stay with me bud. I hear you guys on the carb set up. I just want to get it started initially and then worry about proper induction. I am not even getting a sputter right now.

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Old 02-24-2021, 08:37 AM   #15
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Default Re: Trouble shoot 1950 8Ba initial start up Help

Chap52....I like it . Going out to war in the garage today
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Old 02-24-2021, 08:46 AM   #16
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Default Re: Trouble shoot 1950 8Ba initial start up Help

Another question....Do all 8BA 49-53 have adjustable lifters? I do not believe this one did but it has been 3 years since apart and the first one i have ever had apart . Done several chevies without issue but this is perplexing me.

Also 51Merc regarding timing are you saying that once the crank and cam marks are aligned all that is further required is to set the Distributor at TDC?
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Old 02-24-2021, 09:00 AM   #17
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Default Re: Trouble shoot 1950 8Ba initial start up Help

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bustingear View Post
Another question....Do all 8BA 49-53 have adjustable lifters? I do not believe this one did but it has been 3 years since apart and the first one i have ever had apart . Done several chevies without issue but this is perplexing me.

Also 51Merc regarding timing are you saying that once the crank and cam marks are aligned all that is further required is to set the Distributor at TDC?
Adjustable lifters are not stock but are used when rebuilding to eliminate the

need to grind valve ends to achieve clearance as the factory did.


Distributor at TDC with rotor #1 positioned appox. at 6 o'clock.


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Old 02-24-2021, 10:58 AM   #18
Bustingear
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Default Re: Trouble shoot 1950 8Ba initial start up Help

Just took another shot at it.
1. Inspected distributor and it is the one with the extend portion after the gear and looked down in the timing housing and it has the proper guide for that Distributor
2. Pulled #1 and #2 used a bump switch to find TDC where the air pushed my finger and pointer and dot lined up.
3. Dropped Dist. in the hole with rotor pointing to #1. made sure that rotor was turning in a clockwise direction. Checked spark on 1 and 2 both good.
4. Carbs are squirting ok and while 1 and 2 were out fuel was spitting from #2 during the timing rotation.
5. re checked the wire order on Dist. and all was the same and good.

I am not even getting a chug or sputter . It just keeps spinning around without any sign of an explosion. Suggestions?
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Old 02-24-2021, 11:05 AM   #19
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Default Re: Trouble shoot 1950 8Ba initial start up Help

51 Merc I am set up with #1 at the top and not the bottom . The wires follow the proper order but as you know it is the same
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Old 02-24-2021, 11:35 AM   #20
Jake dalka
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Default Re: Trouble shoot 1950 8Ba initial start up Help

You can feel air push out the spark plug hole even when the piston is on the exhaust stroke.
Just a guess but I believe you’re 180 degrees out....
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