Rebuilt 318 install problem

Thank you Brian.

I know I've asked for this help so all of it is welcome. I've been PM'd by a few members who also believe in your comment. I have tried/looked at just about everything people have told me to do/look at. I had a phone call last night from a local mechanic that I reached out to and he mentioned something that another member had suggested but I didn't think could be wrong (From the engine shop) but the more I think about may be my problem. He mentioned too much pre load on the lifters keeping the intake valves open. The reason I believe that could be the problem is when I first started the engine is ran well enough for the cam break in and progressively got worse with popping out the carb and now just not starting at all. Could the lifter have pumped up so much that it is now holding the intake valves open? Before I jump to this, this is what I'll do this weekend as I need a brake.

I'll get the piston stop and install and check (Although I believe I'm close with the method I have done)

Check the distributor wires for correct polarity (I have done this and it is correct) but will do again

Set the distributor and match #1 to the cap and center the reluctor. (Have done)

Be sure to verify that the balancer is not damaged and is reading as it should and the valves are in the positon that they should be (Which I've done)

I'm replacing the module and coil (I have a weaker spark than what I think it should be)

I will re check and gap the reluctor.


I do appreciate ALL the help and believe me I've gained a ton of knowledge from this website and can't say enough about the members on here and their passion. It does get overwhelming when you're swirling around the toilet bowl heading towards the drain of despair. But I do not want to come off as unappreciative;I'm just bewildered by something that up until a week ago, I was very confident I could do.

Thank you all again for the help,patience and support.

Back off for a few days, it's not going anywhere. My best troubleshooting comes when least expect