[ratdog42]

In my 67 Chevelle, I have a SBC with 6-71 blower, and I have been chewing up the gear/clutch assemblies in starters. I have gone through 3 of the minis now, the gear assembly is chattering when key is applied. It is not beating against the flex plate but seems to be having the engine put reverse resistance on it when starting. I have found that when the coil wire is disconnected, engine spins fine, but apply spark and clanging ensues. I have also found that I put the timing at 16 degrees and not until today found out there is no advance on the motor. I was then told by an engine builder that the engine is in a major state of retard when starting, putting resistance on the starter. I set the timing to 32, but by that time my starter was shot today.
SOOOOOOO, my question is is it ok to have no advance, also what to set the timing at. It is a street driven car with 93 gas, and has an MSD system on it. I really don't know much more about it, since I haven't had it that long to totally "F" everything up!!!! Thanks for any help or input...............Bruce

 

[Tom Mobley]

you can't just advance the timing 16° and figure every thing is OK. Likely the engine will trash the pistons first time out. Put it back where it was. Then tell us where that is. You'll need to check you distributor with a dial-back timing light or you might have a degreed balancer. Blower car, you absolutely must know where your timing is, both initial and total.

Don't drive your car until you get this sorted out.

 

[ratdog42]

I didn't advance 16 degrees, that is where it was set, 16 degrees BTDC. The advance is locked out of the distributor. I talked to shop that dynoed engine, was told to set at 32 degrees, new flex plate and a GM hi-torgue mini starter with an MSD spark retarder for start ups, will solve all my problems.