backfire but no start.

I believe you can hook up your timing light and crank the engine over and watch the light, it should flash and let you know what your initial timing is set at, then you will have more of a idea of if it is too retarded or advanced and adjust from there.

 

One thing I haven't seen mentioned is the possible condition of the plug wires to ALL the plugs. You can damage plug wires if you pull on them wrong. Spark at only the #1 plug, won't get your engine running.

 

Geoffrey, I agree it seems off on timing. Try turning it a bit then attempt start...turn more....attempt start. Usually a few minutes trial n error will get you there. I remember fondly how well that little f head ran on varnish. On real gas it should do great!

 

Here's how to static time your jeep:

Find your timing mark.
Remove the distributor cap.
Turn your engine by hand to the timing mark on the #1 compression stroke.
Verify your rotor is pointing to where the #1 plug wire is on your cap.
Your points should just be starting to open at this point
If not, loosen the distributor, turn key on, but do not crank the engine
Slowly turn the distributor until you hear the points spark.
Lock down the distributor, it's now timed.
Crank the engine with the cap off to verify rotation.
Verify wire positions and try to start the engine.

 

You can also take the coil wire off of the distributor side and the other end off the coil will spark when near ground.

 

Where do i find the timing marks? i dont see any or know where to look. Thanks. i tried loosening it today and turning it and still nothing...i'm so frustrated i'm ready to take it somewhere.

 

QUOTE=GeoffreyL;1142010]Where do i find the timing marks? i dont see any or know where to look. Thanks. i tried loosening it today and turning it and still nothing...i'm so frustrated i'm ready to take it somewhere.[/QUOTE]

Look on your crank pulley on the passenger side you should see the indicator, there will be a notch on the pulley itself.

 

Look on your crank pulley on the passenger side you should see the indicator, there will be a notch on the pulley itself.[/QUOTE]

Thanks!! i found both! its dark out now, i'll try it tomorrow!! hopefully it will run and i can move on to the fun stuff like brake, lift,tires, fluid changing etc.

 

A dab of white paint, or some chalk, will help the notch show up for the timing light.

 

I use white nail polish to mark my indicators. Really shows up when the timing light fires on them.

 

I want to give a big thank-you to everyone who helped out and point me in the right direction, i finally got it running today! it drove 10 feet today under its own power for the first time in over 20 years... Now powered by a new to me f-head (thanks Frank!), looking forward to moving on to the fun stuff and putting it on the road eventually!

 

Ok, now what did you do to get it started?????

 

The plug wires were off by one and the distributor came loose between when I bought and and put it in so it needed adjusted as well. It started right up! I had a mini celebration, put the rad/grille on and put antifreeze in but its leaking around the waterpump so time to get a new on and put it on there, but I did drive it 10 feet!

 

Good deal, now your ready to roll!!!!