Ok, brand spankin new sb chevy 383 stroker motor. I had problems getting the oil pressure to build, that's no longer a problem. Now, after trying to fire the motor, I find that I have no compression. Also, there was a backfire thru the carb, which I realize is timimg, but can this cause no compression? I adjusted the valves like this, Set engine to TDC on #1 cylinder. Then adjust the following valves. Exhaust # 1,3,4,8 Intake # 1,2,5,7 Rotate engine 360 degrees to bring Cylinder 6 to TDC and adjust: Exhaust # 2,5,6,7 Intake # 3,4,6,8, have I done something wrong? Why do I not have compression?

Thanks in advance!

Smokey

you have it set to TDC on the exhaust stroke... that'll do it

sooooo, I need to back all the valves off and start over, just turn the crank 1 turn before I start adjusting again?

you need to make sure it's on TDC on the compression stroke.. it's 180 out right now

Not necessarily. I suspect the valves are too tight, especially if you used that fosdick pushrod twisting method.

Bring the #1 piston to TDC on the compression/firing stroke. Back off the nuts on the intake and exhaust valves on #1. While holding the rocker arm tip down against the valve stem tip, jiggle each pushrod up and down while you tighten the nut down to zero lash. Move the pushrod around a little to make sure it is seated in the pushrod cup of the lifter and not up on the face of the lifter. Give the nut another 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn. Adjust both intake and exhaust.

Turn the crank 90 degrees clockwise (1/4 turn). Adjust both valves on the next cylinder in the firing order (#8). Continue doing the rest of the valves in the firing order (1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2). To adjust all the valves, you will make 2 compete revolutions of the crankshaft.

I tried the 4-valve adjustment method once. ONCE. Then I came to my senses and did it one cylinder at a time, rotating the crank 1/4 turn each time and found that it's bulletproof.

Ok tech, since I have no compression, do I back the adjusters off first then find tdc?

That sounds like a real good idea to me.

Well, the next problem here is, I can't accurately turn the motor 1/4 turn. Now what? HELP!

Use a white out, and put 4 marks on the balancer at 90 degree intervals. Assuming you are at #1 TDC compression. This way you can turn the engine over with a ratchet, while watching your timing indicator.

I have to ask also, are you certain the engine is in time at the timing chain? if not this will cause the same problem.

When you arrive at TDC on #1 (driver's side front), put a piece of tape on the front of the crank pulley at 12 noon. After adjusting #1, turn the crank clockwise until the piece of tape is at 3 O'Clock and adjust #8 (passenger side firewall). Turn the crank clockwise until the piece of tape is at 6 O'Clock and adjust #4 (passenger side second from front). Turn the crank clockwise until the piece of tape is at 9 O'Clock and adjust #3 (driver side second from front). Turn the crank clockwise until the piece of tape is at 12 noon and adjust #6 (passenger side third from front). Turn the crank clockwise until the piece of tape is at 3 O'Clock and adjust #5 (driver side third from front). Turn the crank clockwise until the piece of tape is at 6 O'Clock and adjust #7 (driver side firewall). Turn the crank clockwise until the piece of tape is at 9 O'Clock and adjust #2 (passenger side front).

Too easy Cook, I always seem to explain it the hard way. You and doublevision were posting while I was still typing.

LOL

Yup, positive on the timing being on at the gear drive. Sorry, I should have been more clear, there is not enough room in the front of the motor to even get a wrench into the crank bolt to turn it. Lemme repost the link of my project, so y'all can feel my pain!

http://s294.photobucket.com/albums/...mokeyfiremedic/

To turn the crank with the flexplate would require the removal of the headers, then the cover plate, and I'd have to jack the truck up, turn the flexplate, let her back down and so on. Could I just get it back to TDC, and then back the adjusters off a 1/2 turn or so, with the "turn the crank once" method? SHOOT ME!!! Anyone wanna buy a project truck? lool

Thanks for the help!

Sweet truck!! Any room to get the ratchet in from under the front bumper area?

If Hotrodding was easy, everyone would do it

The 4 valves at a time method is almost guaranteed NOT to work with anything more than a stock cam. Suck it up and take it like a man!! Do it right once and you won't have to do it again