Did a compression test on my stroked Olds 215, not good. #4 cylinder at 50 lbs.

[Gswest236]

Jim, Is there a downside to trying a start-up without the cooling system attached? I'm thinking that if it starts, I'd let it run for 10 seconds or so.

[mgb260]

I've only made sure everything is right and just started and ran it.

[Gswest236]

My worry is that being my first engine rebuild, I may have missed something and by at least getting it to act like it wants to run; I'll be confident enough to install the rad and the exhaust and go for a break-in. 

[Gswest236]

I primed the oil pump again, got the distributor back in and went for a start-up. Power on but no starter. Looked at my wiring and realized I had a starter wire off. Got that sorted and tried again; this time it turned over but backfired. Tried again and it turns over, getting fuel but no start up. It did fire a couple cylinders so I'm guessing I'm 180 degrees off on the timing. Tomorrow I'll pull the plugs and rotate until I know I'm TDC compression and try again.

[mgb260]

Scott, Pull the distributor and #1 spark plug. You don't need to pull any other plugs. Put a breaker bar and socket on crank bolt, turn slowly clockwise with your finger in #1 spark plug hole and when it blows out, you will be close. Set timing mark at crank by moving crank pulley until it lines up with 12 degrees. Use your priming tool to line up the oil pump slot with your distributor lined up pointing at #1. Make sure your wires are the right firing order. Tighten the distributor bolt snug but so you can still turn the distributor. Turn the key to on and wait a few second to fill the carb float bowls, then pump the linkage a few times to squirt gas into the engine. Should start right up.

[Gswest236]

Thanks Jim. I think its got spark and fuel, so timing is the issue.