[72TorinoGuy]

Ok, here is my problem. I replaced the timing chain, cam, lifters, intake, carb, distributor, as well as put a ignition control box in. Now my car wont idle less then like 1500rpm.... When i do set it to around 800rpm the minute that i tap the throttle it dies, no hesitation, just shuts off. Now that i told you the problem, here is what im working with,

1972 Gran Torino
351M
140k miles

The New Parts:

Edelbrock intake (stock deck height)
Edelbrock Carb (1407)
Edelbrock cam and lifter kit (2172)
Chromolly push rods
Edelbrock double roller timing chain
Mallory 85 Series distributor w/ HEI cap
Mallory HYFIRE 6AL ignition control box



Anything that you can tell me, that will help will be amazing, and if anyone lives in the southern california area that would be willing to put a second set of eyes on it would be very helpful as well.


Thank you in advance.

[vinniekq2]

I would start by turning the idle screw in until it will remain running.
Check all tune up specs,especially timing and fuel pressure/volume. Make adjustments on carb for best idle speed and slowly lower idle speed and make re adjustments. Make sure choke and linkages are all working as per specs. If there is a particular RPM where it just shuts off,note that.
check that the spark is good. make sure you didnt over gap your new plugs
correct rotor and cap combo,no loose wires or poor connections,,,

[dwwl]

I had a chevy 350 i rebuilt years ago that did that. Brother and I finaly got it solved. We had gotten the distridutor in one gear off. Check that also.

[72TorinoGuy]

I had a guy at the part store tell me the same thing, i didnt think that one tooth would make such a massive difference... Im going to strip the intake away and double check my seals, and put in new gaskets, and go from there. i want to have this damned thing running shortly its driving me nuts.

[dwwl]

Look at it as fun and a learning experience. I've got a 77 nova and all i do is play with it. I'm lucky to put 500 miles a year on it. Don't worry, something else will not work and you'll have more fun and experience.

[72TorinoGuy]

Due to crappy weather, I am just now getting to look into this thing. Once i set it to TDC where EXACTLY should the distributor point? ive read that it should point at the #6 cylinder, and thats roughly where it is at. is there a specfic marker that i can line it upto?? cause this thing is frustrating as all hell.

[68NovaSS]

With the #1 cylinder at TDC on the compression stroke, the rotor points to the #1 plug wire tower, as close as possible, get it running and time it. If you have the leeway to move the dist back and forth on each side enough to time it, the tooth off thing doesn't come into play, only for the timing chain alignment.

[72TorinoGuy]

Ok, so stupid question but the intake valves on ford engines are the front valve of the two right? Ive been working on this thing so damned much that im starting to see cross. an does anyone know, with the 2172 Cam kit from Edelbrock, which is one step up from stock, i shouldnt have to line it up to any other markers on the timing chain correct? it had the circle, triangle and square marks on it. When i was installing it, it didnt mention anything about the other marks. I just want this damned thing finished, and running again.

Anyone live in the SoCal area that wouldnt mind putting eyes on this thing and maybe seeing something i missed.....

Thanks in advance.

[72TorinoGuy]

Also, i think that the cam required me to set it at 8-10 deg BTDC, and i set it at TDC, that would effect how much i would be able to retard the timing wouldnt it, making it more dificult to get it set correctly. that and i think i was lining up the cap with the wrong damned cylinder, thats what i get for working on Chevys most my life, atleast i didnt line it up on the #1 like im used to. got that much right at least. anyway, thanks again in advance for any help