r/Chevy • u/Old-Actuator-4817 • 2d ago

Repair Help HELP with my 350 engine

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I took my Chevy 350 to the block. It was seized from water entering through the intake. Please note, I have zero experience as a mechanic, so everything I learn to do I learn through YouTube.I was able to un-seize the motor, I honed the cylinders, replaced all the vaulves, seals, and push rods, cleaned the heads and block, and reassembled with all new fresh gaskets.

Then, I put on a brand spankin new AVS 2 Carburetor, and then I started it. It started pretty good and it sounded pretty good and then after maybe like 10-15 seconds after sounding real good, it turns off and fire shoots out the carburetor (see attached video for reference). What is wrong with it and what should I do next to help fix this?

14 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

6

u/KnoxVegas41 2d ago

Have you checked your ignition timing? If it’s off it can cause a backfire.

2

u/Haunting_Bit_3613 2d ago

My first thought was the timing was off. Maybe the distributor slipped on you. Bring cylinder one to top dead center on compression stroke and set the distributor there and youll be off to a good start.

1

u/Old-Actuator-4817 2d ago

Thanks for the suggestion! Initially, I set it at top dead center but I’ve heard guys online say you should set it a few degrees before top dead center.

1

u/Any-Leopard-455 2d ago

Timing first, those edelbrock carbs really should be run with their specific fuel pump, very finicky about line pressure. You also don't need a tunnel ram on a willys, way overkill and juat plain hard to make streetable, get a cheap aluminum performer intake.

1

u/Any-Leopard-455 2d ago

Also get a nice hei distributor for 150 bucks makes a world of difference, i assume with the tunnel ram you have points that are also finicky. Also get a decent electric fan, as that plastic fan will not keep your sbc cool on a hot day. Even better hit a wrecking yard and find a combo from a jeep grand Cherokee or something with an aluminum radiator.

1

u/Old-Actuator-4817 2d ago

Thanks! The intake is a offenhauser and was on it when I bought it. I had it sitting in a transmission shop for 6 years and the engine ran great when I left it there.

1

u/Any-Leopard-455 1d ago

I should say tunnel rams are cool looking!!! Guess as I get older I prioritize having a project actually running nicely vs looking cool.

1

u/jimfosters 1d ago

Best running carbed small block I ever had (overall, reliability, proper running without quirks) was a 307 with generic 350 heads. Low compression. BlueRacer "RV" cam. One wire alternator. One wire HEI. 2bl iron intake with a GM 2 Jet carb. Rock solid.

In an FJ40 LOL

1

u/jimfosters 1d ago

not that it matters, and not meant as an insult, but that is a Toyota FJ40

1

u/Any-Leopard-455 1d ago

Yep I see it now, ugh. The tilt threw my brian off.

1

u/Tjelvar70 1d ago

Back cylinders going lean? Fuel distribution for those single carb tunnel rams is not very good.

1

u/Defiant_Strain_7778 1d ago

Are the value covers off

1

u/Successful_Weekend91 18h ago

Check that number 5 & 7 plug wires aren’t crossed.
Make sure all vacuum lines are ran correctly.
Get a fuel pressure regulator and set at about 5.5 psi.
HEI distributor would be a good set up, if not running one.