[DeTomaso] Cam question, Pantera ownership is learning to live with disappointment, frustaition and poor.

[Sean Korb]

I should really search the archives to see what your exact setup is, but you
might have the spark set 180 degrees off.  I end up doing this rather often,
since the crank being at TDC 0 happens twice in the combustion cycle.  The
only way to know for sure is by looking at the valve action at #1 or by
removing the front accessories to see the cam position.  I just take the
distributor out, rotate the crank another 360 degrees, and set the
distributor as before.  It's a 50/50 chance, and the results of doing it
incorrectly will merely result in a backfire.

Use a timing light to be sure spark is going through the spark plug wire.
You can also use a spark plug at the end of the wire to check for spark, but
be sure you don't have any fuel around because spark plus fuel equals boom.

Since you're using EFI, you may have a crank sensor that needs checking; but
first, get a set of Noid lights and see if your fuel injectors are getting
signal.  If you put starting fluid in the intake, do you get the engine to
fire?  I just want to be sure it's all stinky with fuel before you get too
far into an electrical problem.

I had a Fiat once with mechanical lifters, and my grandfather diagnosed the
problem over the phone... I had to adjust the tappet clearance.

I hope this helps a little.  This is the most frustrating time of any build,
but just keep at it.  When it starts to run, the feeling is incredible!

sean

On 10/13/07, Paul A. Rimov <rimov at charter.net> wrote:
>
> Is there any way to check if the cam was installed correctly other than
> pulling off the accessories, drive belt, pulleys and water pump? I can not
> get my new engine to fire. It turns over and over and over and over but just
> wont fire. I have fuel and have double checked every wire, actuator, sensor.
> I have checked the OBD codes on the computer and every thing checks out. I
> set the timing by cranking the engine by hand until the crank shaft was at
> TDC 0, put he distributor in with the rotor pointing at cylinder 8, placed
> the distributor cap on & marked the distributor 1 hooked up all the
> wires  The only thing left I can think of is the cam was installed wrong.  I
> don't think I have ever been more disappointed, I have spent a year and a
> ridiculous amount of money putting this engine in. I just wanted to have the
> startablity and drivability of a EFI. I am about ready to put the 351c back
> and put it up for sale. Maybe time for a Z06 or Cayman
>
>
> Paul
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-- 
Sean Korb spkorb at spkorb.org http://www.spkorb.org
'65, '68 Mustangs, '68 Cougar, '78 R100/7, '71 Pantera #1382
"The more you drive, the less intelligent you get" --Miller
"Computers are useless.  They can only give you answers." -P. Picasso