Crank no start with a Distributor oddity!

[jjstewart99]

I just installed a drop in 357 engine upgrade serial number 1G411986 with a 4 barrel Weber carb, rigged for an Alpha outdrive. The install went very smoothly. I primed the engine oil and motored the engine to prime the fuel system (mechanical pump). But, the engine cranks and makes a brief attempt to start but then the distributor cuts out and provides no spark while the engine rotates. (I see puffs of smoke out the exhaust after I "goose" the fuel prior to a start attempt)

I confirmed this with a timing gun. I can't get it to turn over sufficiently to check the actual timing, but I did rig the gun to the main distributor wire from the solenoid and also tested each plug wire. The distributor fires for one, maybe two cycles around the plugs and then stops firing. Only one or two blinks when I'm hooked to an individual plug wire, no matter how long I motor the starter.

Is there some logic module that might be interrupting the firing signal?

I'd appreciate any help you guys can lend me.

- Joe

 

[bruceb58]

Are you sure its firing with #1 cylinder on the compression stroke and not the exhaust stroke? With a timing light, you have a 50% chance of getting that right.

Assuming that is correct, what type of distributor are you using?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... Which/ Who's ignition did ya use,..??

 

[achris]

How is the state of the battery? Low charge will allow the voltage to drop sufficiently for the ignition module to drop out.

Chris. ...

 

[jjstewart99]

Thanks for writing back guys.

I have a thunderbolt 5 ignition with knock control and the engine was pressure tested and timed at the mercruiser reman factory. So, i assume that the timing is at least close.

Batteries are both holding strong ... over 12 v to the starter.

The 10 pin connector isnt fully seated. Does that thing actually seat? I still has about 1 cm left. No idea what else it could be.

-Joe
2000 Maxum 2400 SCR

 

[alldodge]

Check for 12V at the + side of the coil. See if the 12V stops as your cranking. Check to see if the black wire coming from the distributor is grounded

 

[jjstewart99]

For some closure, the 12v check led me to the shift interrupt. It was engaged. Thats why it wouldnt start. I rerigged the cables, following the guidance very carefully and it started right up.
The interrupt is still sticky and stalls me out frequently but im going to suck it up and have a local guy re-rig it for me. Thanks guys!

 

[alldodge]

With it sticking you might just need to replace the switch

 

[kenny nunez]

Maybe the lower shift cable needs attention.