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Originally Posted by sindicus
Pete,
Right before I started the test you described, I double checked the spark plug wires and discovered that the wires were in the wrong order. After fixing those, the popping noise went away.
She still won't start, but the cranking is a lot smoother now, so it feels like I took one step in the right direction for a change. Should I still check for "dead center"?
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Sounded like it was definately a timing issue, I usually don't think of the plugs wires because I change them one at a time so I don't have to think about it.
Oh, I am sorry, I should have gone in to more detail about what that actually means. Top dead center is then the piston is all the up on the compression stroke. (Both valves are closed, this is why you can feel the air) It's basically about to fire on that cylinder. That is why I recommending finding TDC and checking the rotor on the distributor to make sure spark plug #1 is firing in the correct place on the distributor. Mostly anything that deals with timing involves finding top dead center.
Lets say you find TDC, follow the #1 spark plug wire to the distributor, then see of the rotor is pointing on that wire to spark. If it is, then you'll know that the timing is correct. If not, the wires may need adjusted on the distributor if possible. You might find that maybe the wires are shifted to right or left. This would certainly cause a no start. If you have to remove the distributor, it's a pain to get it seated back in on this perticular engine. Just getting to that stupid distributor alone is pain
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It may seem strange at first, but once you've done something with TDC, it all makes sence. It's sort of a spot for setting the cam and ignition timing. If you move the distributor at all, be ready to re-time the engine with a timing light. It will have no power if it's off.
As far as the oil, did you just put engine oil in to the intake? It's needs to be some sort of mist, or else it may never fire. I learned that rule when I was a kid building potato guns using hair spray as a propellant. If it was engine oil, it's probably a good thing, your cylinder walls are probably washed out at this point. You may check the oil for gas if it's flooding out a lot. I would recommend changing the oil. If you keep up on the maintance and keep everything in good order, that engine will last a long time. Just never, under any circumstance, EVER over heat the engine just a little. These engines are known for cracking heads under heat. If you notice a slight increase in the running temperature, I would be tempted to remove the radiator and pressure wash out the fins/inside of radiator (I'm kind of hillbilly, but not really, just not afraid to get dirty). I would also have the cooling system flushed to make sure everything is in good order. Sometimes the heater core can get a little plugged and cause issues if you have a lot of rust in the coolant.
Pete