1963 Lincoln 430 MEL misfiring

Hey guys, I got a call from my buddy asking me why his MEL430 is popping through his exhaust. He has a new electric fuel pump, rebuilt Edelbrock 4 barrel, new MSD blaster coil, new cap, new rotor, new plugs but old single point and old condensor. I checked the timing at idle and it was at 12-degrees TDC. So I set it to spec at 8-degrees TDC. Firing order was ok at 15426378. Then adjusted the mixture screws for the highest idle. The car idles but pops randomly through the exhaust. If I rev it up it miss-fires through the exhaust. It never pops through the carb. Should I change the single point and condensor???? Could it be a big vacuum leak??? Is the engine toast??? If anyone can throw me some suggestions as this is my first run in with a 1963 Lincoln 430. Thanks!!


Register now (free) or login to remove ads

It sounds like an ignition miss. MSD coil and nothing to fire it but an old set of mechanical points?

If it is firing on all cylinders, suspect bent pushrod(s).

Thanks KULTULZ

Yeah, I thought it was funny that he had a single point dizzy. I'm trying to talk him into modifying it with a Pertronix kit or any electronic/magnetic dizzy. As for the pushrods, I'll pull the valve covers this weekend to check. Will be reporting back soon!!!

Buy a new condenser!

Thanks Big Don!!

I already have that on the top of his shopping list.
Wish me luck....

Just make sure you determine all cylinders are firing correctly before removing the rocker assemblies.

PERTRONIX II is the best retrofit for his application.

FE's and MEL's are famous for bent pushrods.

-A DIRTY LITTLE SECRET-
_____________________________________

-THE NEW MEL ENGINE FORUM-

Attached Thumbnails

 

Finally got the MEL running!!! It purrs like a kitten, but a little underpowered for my taste. Since my buddy was low on cash, he opted to buy a new point and condensor instead of the Pertronix. I installed it and the engine ran beautifully for 20 minutes, then crapped out again. Aparently the MSD coil that he wired in was too much for the old single point dizzy. After a month of the Lincoln sitting, he finally scraped up enough money to buy a Pertronix electronic distributor conversion kit and new plugs. I was called again to install the kit. It was a simple install and the car runs perfect. In fact it is still running today and the owner is now saving up money for an air bagged suspension. Thank you KULTULZ!!