That was loud but why didnt it start??

[slickseventeen]

I have a 1973 240z with a bob sharp holley carb. setup, also with a mallory duel point distributor. When i started the car up for the first time since i cleaned it up it wouldn't start. I am getting spark and since there was a loud pop out the tail pipe im guessing im getting compression. Also since some fuel spraid out the carb. We played with the timing a lot. But what gets me is that the distributor is turned opposite of the stock unit. It worked for my dad years ago with the same setup. Is their anything that i might be missing? I would like to get this puppy started

Thanks, Patrick

[2ManyZs]

Sounds like it may be out of time. Either the timing itself is out or maybe the distributor is out of time. Sounds like it tried to fire when the intake valve was open, that may be why it forced fuel out of the carb. Try re-setting the timing, or it may be just as well to re-set the distributor and go from there. It may be 180 degrees out.

Bring it up on TDC on the compression stroke and take off the distibutor. Look at the drive gear. It should be just a little past lining up with the bolt holes(about 10 o'clock) with the larger side of the drive gear up. The drive gear keys into the distibutor one way. The tab that goes into the slot in the distributor is off center. When you pull it off you'll see what I mean, it's kinda hard to explain if you can't think of the proper terms.

BTW, there should be a picture showing the proper alignment in the service manual. Haynes, or factory either one.

[slickseventeen]

Its alive..... rather than flip the distributor i just flipped all the plug wires. Thanks to everyone's efforts including many on this site i am happy to say that my 1973 Datsun 240z now runs and runs beautifully. There will be many pictures ahead and possibly a little video of the excitement.

Thank you and have fun with your Z's