Can't get new engine to turn over.

Dog5ohfun · 04-11-2007, 12:26 AM

So I just put together this new engine. It consists of DSS Racing 331 with 8.5:1 compression, -13cc dish pistons. I have an optima battery in the trunk with 1/0 gauge wire running to the battery solenoid on the fender. Supposedly the battery tested good. I just purchased a power master 180 lb/ft. starter. I turned over the engine with the stock starter but with no spark plugs in and it was fine. As soon as I put the plugs back in the engine either turns over really sluggish or not at all. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated. I have not dialed in the Lakewood bellhousing, but seeing as it turns over with the plugs removed I don't see the bellhousing as an issue but I could be wrong. It did try to start once with the stock starter but obviously to no avail. Thank you in advance for your ideas.

rwhite65 · 04-11-2007, 05:10 AM

Where did you run the ground too? What guage wire?

Jeff Chambers · 04-11-2007, 06:41 AM

Double check your initial timing and if you've got more than one set of timing marks on your balancer be sure that you're using the correct set. It sounds like to me that you're trying to light the fires at the bottom of the compression stroke.

Dog5ohfun · 04-11-2007, 07:18 PM

The Battery is grounded with 4 gauge wire behind the passenger side rear tire at the frame. It has been grounded there for the past 4 1/2 years with no problems. I will check though and make sure it is still tight and clean.

rwhite65 · 04-11-2007, 08:42 PM

I would check as Jeff advised you too.

Dog5ohfun · 04-14-2007, 05:54 PM

Thank you guys, for the ideas. put a new lug on the ground wire and refound initial timing as I had removed and replaced the distributor. Once we found the correct timing marks on the balancer and lined up the distributor it fired right up. I am now doing the happy dance.

04-11-2007, 12:26 AM	#1
Dog5ohfun Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Arlington, Washington Posts: 92	Can't get new engine to turn over. So I just put together this new engine. It consists of DSS Racing 331 with 8.5:1 compression, -13cc dish pistons. I have an optima battery in the trunk with 1/0 gauge wire running to the battery solenoid on the fender. Supposedly the battery tested good. I just purchased a power master 180 lb/ft. starter. I turned over the engine with the stock starter but with no spark plugs in and it was fine. As soon as I put the plugs back in the engine either turns over really sluggish or not at all. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated. I have not dialed in the Lakewood bellhousing, but seeing as it turns over with the plugs removed I don't see the bellhousing as an issue but I could be wrong. It did try to start once with the stock starter but obviously to no avail. Thank you in advance for your ideas. __________________ Black 1990 LX DSS Racing Super Pro Bullit 331, AFR 185, Anderson B31 Cam, 1.6 DSS rockers, Cobra Intake w/ 2 phenolic spacer, Aluminum DS, 3.73 gears, Tremec 3550, Lakewood SFI Bellhousing, MSD Digital 6+, Spintech Side Exhaust,

04-11-2007, 05:10 AM	#2
rwhite65 Ride Hard Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Wyoming IL Posts: 1,094	Re: Can't get new engine to turn over. Where did you run the ground too? What guage wire? __________________ 65 Fastback 91 roller 306, H/C/I AOD-Bauman, PI Stallion, 4.10's and traction loc 04 Grand Cherokee Freedom Edition 79 Ford F-250 4x4 - Restored

04-11-2007, 06:41 AM	#3
Jeff Chambers Moderator Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Milan, OH Posts: 2,699	Re: Can't get new engine to turn over. Double check your initial timing and if you've got more than one set of timing marks on your balancer be sure that you're using the correct set. It sounds like to me that you're trying to light the fires at the bottom of the compression stroke. __________________ Jeff Chambers 1990 Mustang GT 10.032 Seconds / 137.5 MPH 14-time Street Warrior World Record Setter CRT Performance 2001 Tropic Green Mustang GT - 12.181 / 113.2 MPH 2002 Ford F-250 Crew Cab 7.3l Power Stroke - 17.41@77.2 "There's nothing boring about a small block automatic shifting gears at 9400 rpm!"

04-11-2007, 07:18 PM	#4
Dog5ohfun Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Arlington, Washington Posts: 92	Re: Can't get new engine to turn over. The Battery is grounded with 4 gauge wire behind the passenger side rear tire at the frame. It has been grounded there for the past 4 1/2 years with no problems. I will check though and make sure it is still tight and clean. __________________ Black 1990 LX DSS Racing Super Pro Bullit 331, AFR 185, Anderson B31 Cam, 1.6 DSS rockers, Cobra Intake w/ 2 phenolic spacer, Aluminum DS, 3.73 gears, Tremec 3550, Lakewood SFI Bellhousing, MSD Digital 6+, Spintech Side Exhaust,

04-11-2007, 08:42 PM	#5
rwhite65 Ride Hard Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Wyoming IL Posts: 1,094	Re: Can't get new engine to turn over. I would check as Jeff advised you too. __________________ 65 Fastback 91 roller 306, H/C/I AOD-Bauman, PI Stallion, 4.10's and traction loc 04 Grand Cherokee Freedom Edition 79 Ford F-250 4x4 - Restored

04-14-2007, 05:54 PM	#6
Dog5ohfun Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Arlington, Washington Posts: 92	Re: Can't get new engine to turn over. Thank you guys, for the ideas. put a new lug on the ground wire and refound initial timing as I had removed and replaced the distributor. Once we found the correct timing marks on the balancer and lined up the distributor it fired right up. I am now doing the happy dance. __________________ Black 1990 LX DSS Racing Super Pro Bullit 331, AFR 185, Anderson B31 Cam, 1.6 DSS rockers, Cobra Intake w/ 2 phenolic spacer, Aluminum DS, 3.73 gears, Tremec 3550, Lakewood SFI Bellhousing, MSD Digital 6+, Spintech Side Exhaust,

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