I have a 1969 350 chevy engine that is hard to start. As the engine first starts to turn over sometimes I get a slight puff back into the carburator, and the engine has to turn over several times before it will start. Once it starts it runs great during any type of test you put it thru. It does this wheather it is hot or cold. I just recently put in a new pertronix electronic module, rebuilt the carb, fixed a vacuum leak, and the timing is right on at 4 degrees before top dead center. This car used to start so fast you couldn't even hear the engine turn over. Any suggestions?????

[ March 10, 2002: Message edited by: Jim Weeks ]</p>

you probably have some time chain stretch kick the timing back a bit or till it starts quicker

Quick test for checking your timing chain. Remove your distributor cap, put a ratchet on your crankshaft bolt, and work the crank back and forth. The longer it takes the distributor rotor to start moving the more slack you have in your chain. The distributor is driven by the cam so if it's not moving when you rotate the crank neither is the cam.

Try setting your timing at about 8 to 10 degrees BTDC Set timimg with vacumn advance hose pulled off of dist and plug it. When you get your timing set put the vacumn hose back on advance.

[ March 11, 2002: Message edited by: Henry Highrise ]</p>

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You guys were exactly right. I checked for the slack timing chain and sure enough it had a lot of slack in it. After experimenting with the timeing it seamed to run best at 8 degrees BTDC so that is what I set it at. The car runs better, and has stopped coughing up the carburator, but still does not start very well. I have an idea there is so much slack in that timing chain I will probably have to replace it to get those quick starts again. Thanks so much for your input.

Does sound like timing to me.

It sounds like the chain is the problem to me also. If you put a new chaain in it you may want to consider a quality double roller chain or even a gear drive if your gonna run it hard.These two types of chains will keep your timing more accurate with less stretching than single row chain.


NOVA JEFF