Re: trouble on 1st start
Bob. Thank you. i have been trying to turn distributor a bit as i start. but you got me thinking. Im going to start from scratch and make sure I'm at TDC by physically checking #1 piston height through the plug hole.
Does the engine turn over with a "normal" sounding cadence? If not, it could be the firing order is wrong, or the camshaft is not timed correctly (unlikely, I hope!)
Check the plugs. If they are wet with fuel, check that the carb floats are properly adjusted, and that the float valves operate properly.
With the throttle closed, the throttle plates should be slightly open (the same amount).
If you don't already know this, you might look up the static timing procedure on-line, and set up the distributor by that method for the initial starting.
I've seen a couple of folks wire the distributor incorrectly because they weren't clear on which direction the rotor rotated.
If all seems to check out, it shouldn't hurt to use a small amount of starting fluid - just a puff into each carb - to see if it will fire.
Jim
Edit: Also, have you set the valve clearances?