When I went to start my 454, the engine make a loud metallic grinding noise and smoke/flame came out of the carb. Anybody know why smoke and flame would come out the carb?

Distributor not timed correctly.

Is there a simple way to fix the timing? I don't have a light or any major tools.

Was this engine just put together, or was it running fine and there problems just start to happen? Distributor not timed correctly could be one possibility but since you had loud metallic grinding noises, I would pull the valve covers off and check the valve train. A bent intake valve thats not closing all the way can do this too, and I would do this before even trying to start it again as you could do a LOT more damage if the valve head breaks off.

It's an old engine that was running fine. Would removing the valve covers require replacing the gaskets when I put them back on? I've never tried digging into the engine and just want to get an idea of what it would take. Is it as simple as unbolting the covers and putting them back on after inspection?

Originally posted by dobodob:
It's an old engine that was running fine. Would removing the valve covers require replacing the gaskets when I put them back on? As long as you don't tear them no.
Originally posted by dobodob:
I've never tried digging into the engine and just want to get an idea of what it would take. Is it as simple as unbolting the covers and putting them back on after inspection? Yes. First check the dist to see if its loose. If it is loose you can time it by ear to get the car running again. It would be most likely be retarded and need to be advanced. Turn the dist counter clockwise to advance it. If its tight pull the valve covers, and look for broken parts ect... If everything "looks" ok disconnect power wire to dist (if you have a HEI) or the coil wire (if you have a points dist) and have a buddy crank the engine while you observe the valve train. Look at what the rocker arms are doing and compare them to all the other ones. If you see one thats doing things different or making noises, stop there, you have bigger problems. Hope this helps