olds 350 timimg?

[pitman]

I have a 1972 Cutlass Supreme Convertible with a 350 2 bbl that is giving me a few problems. I have replaced everything and have reset the timimg to 8BTD as required--but it still does not start up like it should. The starter cranks over fine--but requires several turns to start.(crank-crank-crank-crank-)

My question is this: Could the engine need to be timed with the setting a little retarded instead of "right on"? I have read that when the timing is to advanced initially,that the engine will run poorly. I've changed everthing from fuel pump-to filters-to fuel lines-to points,condensor,dist cap- plugs-everything except the plug wires and it still starts hard.

any offerings will be very much appreciated.Thanks in advance

Pitman

[another old car]

pitman

you really didnt give enough information

does it crank fast like it has no compression

does it crank like engine is out of time

[pitman]

OK---- Fuel and Electric (except plug wires) has been changed. I now have even replaced the points and cond. with a PERTRONIX ignition system.

The engine cranks normally--that is it turns over like it should sounds like it should start but does not. From a cold start it starts right up. When warm or HOT it cranks but fails to start---like it needs fuel or timing is off!!!! I am not a mechanic and do not pretend to be one. I only know what I read and encounter in my service manuals.

Do you think possibly I should experiment with the timimg???? or just keep trying to learn the proper start combination with this engine?? It obviously has a mind of it's own. The engine runs great once started--it just does not like to start when hot. Inconvient and embarrasing when I return from a short trip in the store shopping--a few onlookers hoping to hear the vehicle which really looks great--and it just cranks forever before it will start!!!!

If this is not enough info to help diagnose my problem I need specific questions to answer--I do not know what else to offer.

Again thanks--Sorry to be of such trouble--I was hoping a simple yes or no to my question would have either told me to try changes--or it was probably a waste of time and maybe start looking elsewhere for a soultion.

Pitman

[another old car]

pitman

you could try and run another wire from starter solnoid Term IGN to 12V side of coil as a test or just hot wire coil and test it that way

some olds motors like my big block - to start after its hot - I put gas pedal on floor and hit key - works every time for me

[Sgt Art]

In reading this, I gather your car will start up (engine fires and runs) cold but won't when hot. This sounds like a carb problem (choke) not functioning correctly. Start your car up cold, with the air filter off. When cold, the choke butterfly should be closed after one step on the gas pedal. Watch the choke butterfly as the engine warms up. You may have to "blip" the carb linkage, but the butterfly should open up almost all the way once the engine reaches operating temp. If it doesn't, they you need to turn the choke setting a little bit towards the LEAN position (you'll see arrows pointing towards RICH or LEAN on the black cover of the choke). I'm guessing your choke is the hot air type that circulates some hot exhaust gas through tubes into the bimetal coil on the passenger side of the carb.

I converted to a Pertronix system on my 72 Lincoln and like it. I'm going to assume when you changed out the points to Pertronix you changed to the correct ignition coil too? Right? Make sure you have the correct value coil (in Ohms) I bought both units together as a matched set. Also, you must have 12 Volts going to the positive side of the coil. YOu cannot use the ballast or resistor wire that points uses. Find a keyed 12 volt source if you haven't done that already.

I don't think the issue is timing. If you were too advanced, your starter would drag when cold as well. Usually, when a starter drags only when the engine is hot, it's due to the solinoid becoming over heated from the exhaust. SOmetimes, a weak battery will cause that too. But, as I understand it, you're starter is not dragging when the engine is cold or hot, it's doing it's job in spinning the engine over at a decent speed. That's why I think it's in the carb. Let us know how it goes, someone will figure our your problem.