distributor in backwards?

[Sashap]

I Put on a new coil just now, with new rotor, cap, pickup coil and module in Mercruiser 3.0 EST and voila! I have spark! Not sure which part was bad, but at least all new parts. However, still no start.
So I thought I put the distributor in backwards. I turned it and it coughed through the carb so I am pretty sure it is backwards now! Which makes me ask why it never starts. The distributor is approximately turned where it was before and I cannot see the timing marks with the timing light. What now? Not fuel related, it was starting and idling beautifully before the no spark issue.

 

[alldodge]

I have spark!

OK you have spark but probably not fuel. If the distributor was installed out of time, or even 180 degrees out and fuel was present, there would be a backfire. So your either not getting fuel or the fuel you are getting isn't gas

 

[Sashap]

there is definitely fuel and there are backfires. even pops out of the exhaust.

 

[alldodge]

there is definitely fuel and there are backfires. even pops out of the exhaust.

OK, that is great info
So while cranking, rotate the distributor (both directions), and if it continues to backfire, pull the distributor noting first where the rotor is pointing. Once out just enough to rotate the rotor 180 degrees and reinstall. Then crank again moving the distributor until it fires up

 

[Sashap]

ok, I will do that. This is soooo frustrating! I might try to check TDC and pointing to number 1 just so that I am sure it looks correct to start. I have a photo of where the previous one was turned to but when I aligned to there it did not start either. I know I have spark because of the timing light flicker. I tried finding the timing mark but could not see it.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Bring #1 piston t TDC compression, line up the line in the harmonic balancer to the timing tab or notch. Install dist pointing to a spark plug wire post . firing order is 1,3,4,2 in a clockwise rotation.

 

[Scott Danforth]

BT has you on the right track for properly stabbing the dizzy

 

[Sashap]

ok, found TDC by removing plugs and turning over slowly until timing mark lined up to 0degrees. Opened distributor and ensured rotor points to number one position of cap. Also, ensured that the teeth on the distributor lined up with pickups on distributor by lifting unit out and rotating by a tooth until the four lined up.
Put it all back together and no start. It pops smoke from carb. Did not check with timing light as I was alone and could not turn key and check at same time.
By all instructions, just lining up the mark, (visually checking that piston is at TDC) and lining up distributor parts it should be right on, shouldn't it?
It has fuel. Enough pops and smoke verify that. It clearly has spark as I would not have smoke. Now what?
I am so frustrated with this.

 

[searay3]

You could still be 180 out. The marks line up twice. Only once on the compression stroke. With a plug out of #1 cylinder, hold your finger over the hole and turn the engine by hand until you feel air coming out. Then look for the harmonic balancer timing mark. Now go back to the distributor and stab it so that the rotor points at the #1 plug wire tower. It will now start.

 

[Sashap]

but if I can actually see the piston at the top, wouldn't that be the compression stroke? I could not hold my finger and turn motor at the same time. I did insert a stiff wire that moved when it reached the top.

 

[Sashap]

plus, I did try putting in the distributor 180 (without starting) and it was visibly in a different rotational spot than originally.

 

[Sashap]

I saw a video explaining strokes and I think I understand how it could be TDC but not compression. I will rotate the engine again and redo the distributor...keep you posted. Thanks for all of your patience!

 

[Sashap]

It started but very rough

 

[Sashap]

it started really rough but stalled out. It made an odd ticking sound but I could not located it before it stalled.
Was louder ticking than an errant spark would be like. Could it be due to be off on timing?
I never checked with a light yet, just lined everything up and started (hard).

 

[searay3]

yes...sounds like your on the right track. Re-time it. You can turn the dizzy while cranking if you have a partner. Once it stays running check rpms and time it according to the manual.

 

[searay3]

Make sure the firing order is correct. BT Doctor's post above

 

[searay3]

Dbl check the firing order...BT Doctor's post above

 

[Sashap]

Timing will not advance in regular mode. It’s new module too

 

[alldodge]

Your close, as aid, once started rotate the distributor just a little one way or the other. If you turn and it starts running better your getting real close. Just turn enough to keep it running, then use a timing light

 

[Sashap]

Now runs smooth. Thanks. But after timing procedure, will not advance. This is a new coil, pickup coil, rotor, cap, module...