When I did my 455, I spent almost all my machine shop money on solid reliability instead of go-fast. I bought a book on building just that engine. I forget who wrote it, and I leant it out and never got it back. But it was a great great book. I followed it to the letter. Instant start, went right to temp and didn't overheat, great engine. My point is: always stack the deck in your favor, get the most knowledge you can. UTG is a library full of great info, for free. Thanks Tony.

My neighbor's 63 TBird has been siting idle for many years. A friend left it in his garage and passed away , then my neighbor passed away and left it to me. In the past few weeks I have just been working on getting it started. Watching alot of Uncle Tony (especially the series "Your first Engine Job"). Today (with Tony's help) and this video, it fired off! Thanks Tony!

Those first start ups are always exciting! Even if you "know" you did everything right, the experience is always satisfying when it lights off! Nope, you didn't miss a thing.

Leave valve cover off, turn over engine by hand until #1 intake valve closes. You are now on comp stroke. Keep turning until timing pointer is at 20 degs BTDC. Mark where #1 terminal is on dist housing. Line up rotor tab with mark. Install cap & valve cover. Start. (on BBC you can leave valve cover on, just remove breather and watch intake rocker arm through the hole). Easy breezy😊

I can't imagine the number of engines you saved with this video. Your videos are always great, no BSing around and always the straight dope. Hope you never quit educating those who really want their stuff right. See ya tomorrow!

A fella learns more in one of Tony's videos than 9 month of auto shop class!

This is exactly what I needed when I needed it. I just got my engine back from the machine shop yesterday. Looking forward to getting it finished and fired up! Thanks Uncle Tony à

I just hope ya realize what a service you provide and how much 'we the people' appreciate it , THANK YOU Uncle Tony.

I learned setting the initial timing from my father. With the engine set 10 degrees BTDC he used a cigarette paper in the points and would advance the distributor until the paper could be pulled out easily. That gave just a few degrees over the 10. Most engines that I worked on like that couldn't be turned over one full crank rotation without starting.

I just rebuilt the 440 in my 69 Coronet RT. Im not a gear head by any means. Bought a book and watched u tube videos. I followed your video here and ill be damned if she didnt fire up immedietly. Fresh build...car had sat for 10 yrs before that. My buddies snickered. Told me you cant avoid the continuous cranking over on a new build. Just wanted to thank you.

Always feels like magic when all those parts you assembled comes to life.

So, when we built all of ours, we always took a drill and a homemade tool and primed the oil pump right before we did the distributor, not the day before either. We were taught to have absolutely everything on the table ready to go.. prime the pump for 30 seconds after it picks up oil, then commence to dropping the distributor in. Just something I was taught. Very descriptive explanation UT! Thanks! And just so some others know, the biggest reason we set the time ng so advanced is the microscopic tolerances losing their slack when a tight engine is first turned... There is a load of moving parts.. they all add a little.. anyway.. thanks again UT!

Great advice and I agree on everything Tony. Have a light attached and ready when you start to crank over before fuel even hits the engine and you can see the ignition is in the ballpark before she gets fuel. RPM's are critical on first fire and you can dial in the timing once spinning at break-in speed. That break-in lube will stick around until she starts slingin' oil if you aren't wasting time. Teamwork helps on first fire.

Don’t forget the cooling system. I always make sure it is purged of air and on some engines I drill a 1/8” hole in the thermostat so it can vent any remaining air. It’s new, it will get plenty hot in a 20 min break in run. Don’t want to have to shut it down because the cooling sys is air locked.

Engine work/videos like this is what got me dedicated to this channel. As a younger guy it’s really useful to have these videos for knowledge. Rebuilt a LA 318 because I saw uncle Tony do it to bottle rocket. Mines stock but still probably wouldn’t have done it if it weren’t for this channel.

This is something I have been sweating for a while as I plan my next build. I’m stoked to have a tutorial from UT!

That's one thing I like about GM HEI distributors, it's really easy to line up the reluctor with the magnet just by lining up the "points" (I know they're not contact points, but they're pointy, so what else would you call them?). This is the thing people seem to have the most trouble with when they start their new engine. They think they lined everything up but they usually forget to take the slack out of everything first, then they call me after they've screwed around for 2 days trying to get it to start. Sometimes they get mad when when I start checking everything, telling me they already did that... but I have to be nice and just say, "well, I just want to be sure... gotta start with the basics" and I usually find something simple that they missed. But they're always happy when it finally starts and runs like it should.

Tony man I’ve been watching your videos since this channels inception. Your knowledge, insights & wisdom is something you can’t find in the world today. Thank you for everything you do man 🤙🏼

I'm almost finished with my first everything. It's an L98 motor swapped 92 k1500, and it's taken me 3 years to rebuild and upgrade EVERYTHING in it. I just hit 1500 miles past the break-in on a Lunati 281/293 hydraulic flat tappet cam/pistons/crank, zz4 heads, transmission rebuild, and carb swap. Not bad for 0 experience and no help aside from what i've found on KZfaq from channels like yours. I had no idea that it would take me as long as it has, and I just had to swap out a bad distributor that had no spark. But I did my entire ignition based on your videos, and I really appreciate the time and effort you put into your content. If I hadn't stumbled upon this channel, i'd still be at least 3 months behind where i'm at today. Here's where i'm at so far. Gotta get my exhaust sealed up, and I think it'll finally be ready for some paint. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qpOZoJagxp20o6M.html

Great video Tony, you just taught allot of people what the majority of mechanics don't remember. Not used as much today, but good fundamentals. I would add making sure the ignition wiring is spot on, and all fluids perfect. I used to use a test light to positive to set the points, when my light went out - you're there. Keep them comimg

Great advice Tony, I haven't built an engine in over twenty years but this video brought it all back to me. One tip I share with anybody; When filling with coolant, I've always kept one heater hose off the engine until I see coolant coming out of the hose (maybe have a buddy put thumb over the nipple on the engine) then quickly join the hose and nipple and violla' it's totally full of coolant. Maybe a small leak to clean up but it's no big deal. See ya tomorrow

So true, making sure the thing will start right up, ESPECIALLY a start after a freshen up or a total rebuild. Love the videos very informative.

Excellent video, Tony. I love it when the engine wakes up on the first or second rotation… very satisfying. And, for novices, ALWAYS be sure that the oil system is fully primed before touching the starter. On old cam-in-block engines, where the oil pump is driven by the distributor, I like to find a matching shaft and spin the oil pump with an electric drill till it audibly loads up, no chance of a dry start, waiting for the filter and oil galleries to fill.

Uncle Tony, You made that very clear. I am 77 years old, when we were kids, you know 15, 16 years old working on cars. We used the cellophane from our pack of smoke's to set when the points were opening. I don't think we knew about moving the rotor back, I am thinking maybe we rotated the engine by hand until the points started to open. Your videos bring back some great memories. One of the fastest cars I had was a 1960 Dodge Matador D500. I wish I had know a fraction of the information that you share, keep up the good work!

Rebuilt my first LA 318 and was having issues getting it started. I then followed UTs instructions and started right up . Thank you sir for all your help.

My machine shop guy told me about this very same procedure on the startup for my newly rebuilt 440 worked like a charm it started up so fast it actually startled me, very sound advice that most people don't know about.

Dude.....Uncle Tony....this is literally the video I needed. Finally a tech initial timing video with these details. I was having issues directly related to this. I didn't advance enough. Thanks !!!!!!

Thanks for the old school wisdom Tony. Your videos are always a great source for quality content.

Thanks Unk. Awsome vidio....of course I needed it 40 years ago. I'm feel good about the hemi grind cam I lost because the other 4 cams survived and I didn't even know about braking in cams. Just poured stp over the lobes and fired it up

I know on the small block Chevy's, I would get to #1 TDC by watching the valves. When it's on #1 TDC the #3 intake valve was open. Like you said advance the dist approximately 10° and usually it fired right off. Got you in the ball park as for static timing. Thanks again Uncle Tony for another great video!!

YES I’ve seen this many years ago but I needed concise refresher. I’m going through an in-line 6 4.9L with a spout connector, and I want a clean first start. GREAT VIDEO THANKS Tony❗️

Thanks, Tony, I’ve done a few Chevy builds over the years, some fired better than others… am in the process of doing a stock 350 for my son’s nova, gonna fire it during Xmas vacation. I will revisit this vid again, to get the best outcome. Thanks!

Great video Tony! Everybody (the big car-guy personalities in the public eye) always tell you what you need to do. But they never go in to the how-to details. This is why you rock! Real world, hands on, proven, how-to-do-it RIGHT! This really is the most important step of the actual "build" of a flat-tappet engine after proper machine-work and cleanliness. And soo many people can't nail it. Even people with years and years of experience still fumble-fuck around with the first start. This is not the place to not be 100% sure what your doing. And good on you for mentioning the dot-to-dot situation of TDC on compression. That bites lots of people. Again, great video! I use a piston-stop and degree wheel. Because I don't have as much experience as you to set the crank position your way LOL. And it probably takes me 8 times as long as you. But, the results are always: bang! She's a runner!

I think you covered it pritty well uncle Tony!!!! Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge!!!

Thanks Tony, every time i watch your videos i either learn something new or something i know pretty good is made clearer to me , thanks mate .

This is a very helpful video. Thank you. Please do more like this. Concise, yet all the tips are there.

Good run down on what us old guys have been doing ...

Man, that's really a great video. I learned so much. I sure did not realize that when the dots are at the bottom of the cam gear and the top of the crank gear that it's TDC of the exhaust stroke. That's worth the price of admission right there.

Very similar to what an old guy taught me when I was young and dumb. Old guys need to be passing this stuff on. Good vid UT

Got my old account up again.. Thanks Ultra KATHY for making other account a Mod also.. You guys really have always been great to me..

Me and my dad broke in his Olds 403 with the Holley sniper efi and it was the smoothest break in we’ve ever had.

Brilliant! Thank you Uncle Tony. This is applicable to the flat four pushrod Porsche engines I’m playing with these days. The fundamentals is fundamental

Thanks Tony. Another great how to segment.

Points are Always the best - 100% agree! Great video UT! God Bless 😎

Wow I learned something today ! Always wondered why buddies would assemble an engine , have the dots on the timing gears lined up for the install part of it and stab in the dizzy and be 180 out cause it's popping and spitting and won't start. I just figured it was because I didn't help em assemble it😂 Good to know that's tdc exh stroke.

Thanks for the video Tony. I helped by dad break in a cam in his 70 Duster over the weekend, and after sweeping the distributor we found a wiring issue (low voltage with the Petronix). Once corrected it fired right up and the break in was a success!

Thanks for all the helpful content. You inspire my kids and I to get our 72 Duster on the road again. Didn't happen this summer but maybe next summer we can cruise the Duster around. We can only afford so much each year for the Duster but we're getting there.

Always learning something new watching Uncle Tony. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

Damn Tony, this info is golden - Thank you.

excellent vid . One of the best so far .

Good explanation Tony as always.:)

I followed this to a "T" before the first start of my rebuilt 340. It started on the first touch of the screwdriver on the relay. Scared me so bad I dropped the tool. Thanks for the video. We broke in the cam, and it starts right now with the twist of the key.

Been a while but always would get #1 at 10-15 degrees before TDC, install distributor, wires, hook up coil, then rotate distributor until #1 fired(with an old plug against the engine) and they started up right away.

Lol, this explains some issues I had getting my wagon started. Learning new stuff everyday

Always a good video! Thanks for sharing your valuable knowledge and making it interesting Tony! God bless you and yours!

I'm convinced that car likes it there it always comes back to your shop

👍🏻 yep there’s actually a method to the madness lol i bet a lot of people get something from all the tech tips you put out keepem coming buddy . Take care!

I always thought dot to dot was TDC but my father taught me a long time ago I was wrong my friend brought his 79 Z/28 after changing his cam that would bearly and redropped his distributor , car ran great 👍 great video...

Good information. I also machined a tool to adapt a drill motor to run the oil pump on my 383 before I put the distributor in the engine and started it.

Awesome stuff Uncle Tony, this video helped me realize why my balancer marks were off.

Clear as a bell. Good instructions.

Yep, so true.. it is astonishing how relevant this video is to my experiences. I received engines from two different engine builders on two different occasions and after asking a direct question, was told...it's on number 1 firing position. Both times I'd stab the distributor on number 1 and go to troubleshooting. We'd put it 180 out and get instant start.

Uncle Tony's Tips and Tricks. Good stuff, learn something every time. Cheers

Great video.. good instructions..big thanks I had my car sitting from ages now it's up and running..keep up the good work.. cheers 🥂

Great tech session!

Very helpfull and complete advice, Thanks Tony !

Static timing if you're good at it you can have your initial timing within a couple of degrees on startup

Your the guy everybody hopes for in automotive shop in high school . 😜

Interesting. The timing marks on the cam gear and crankshaft gear of my 105 year old motorcycle (1916 Indian) work exactly the same way that you described for a (relatively) modern car.

thank you for all these tips

Thank you for your videos Tony. You explained it well.

Was really need for me, these explanations, tks!

Thanks Uncle Tony. Building my first engine. I saved this video for my first start.

My favorite type of video.

I don't know how it happens but this information is what I needed next month. Thank you!

Great informational video. Keep them coming. 👍👍.

Thanks Uncle Tony! 👍

Excellent valuable timing info !! ....With sprocket Dots lined up, make sure distributor drive gear index groove is Parallel with with camshaft....With his points distributor, any 12 volt test light (dome lite, tail light bulb, etc) will turn On at Exact ponts opening/coil firing degree & eliminate eyeball error...

Great video. Now we all got to go out and find a 426 Hemi, build it, and set up all of our distributors the way UT showed us. Remember, with dual points, you look for the second (trailing) set of points to open for fire.

Yes, I did. I got a LOT out of that. Thank you.

good explanation

All good stuff. One caveat - I've had occasion where the 0 degree mark on the balancer was not correct. Always a good idea once you've got the cover on and the balancer installed to go through the piston stop method of finding true TDC because of this.

For points ignition, i always did static timing with a simple test light. I never understood setting everything to zero and firing it. Made no sense. You know ignition timing is set advanced. Why not dial that in before cranking? Every engine I've done cranked with no issue that way. I just did the engine in my CJ jeep. Even went the extra step of priming the carb bowl using my motorcycle remote tank. Damn thing started and idled like it had thousands of miles on it. Almost forgot to raise the idle for cam break in.

Great video Tony ! Big thanks to camera girl ! Y'all are greatly appreciated !

I've never thought about it before but how do manufacturers break in cams, do they run every single new engine for 20 - 25 minutes?

Nice Job !!!

I like your practical approach. Now I have one for you: To verify TDC with the heads off, cylinders #3 and 5 will both be at mid-stroke (but exactly the same distance). This means that they will be at exactly equal height to each other from the deck. You can measure this with a ruler or caliper, and it very accurately sets #1 piston at TDC without guess work or dial gauge.

Great explanation! Very informative for my next start up but not as fun as watching paint dry! 😜

I always set the crank at 0, put the distributor in pointing at number one and just blindly advance it a little..... I like your way better!

Great stuff 👍🏻

Tony what kind of oil are you running for both the break-in and afterword's for general use? The brand I usually use is discontinued and just ran out of stock so I'm looking for alternatives.

great education I received here!! wow

After all these years,and all these engines i've built/rebuilt,you answered the nagging question...WHY are my engines (more often than not) 180 degrees out of time ? Now i know. Thank You,Tony. I never would have figured it out to align cam gear mark & crank gear dot to "12 o'clock" then put the dizzy in & it will be in time.

fantastic video. i am putting in a new engine into my f/sa duster 340 stocker i parked in 2001.

Exhalent tutorial,. Thank you.

No stunt carb, but great information! Thank you! I had a buddy rebuild a Beetle, and he forgot it was set for TDC Exhaust. When he figured it out, he swapped the wires and said, "God help the next guy to get this engine." How are the dogs feeling after all the cheese?

Where were you years ago my friend!! Great! Great!! Video explained perfectly for us real world guys!

This is a great tutorial! Now we just need a video on setting the timing with a strobe light.

CULT LEADER UTG!!!

Too much to remember, I'll just throw a roller cam. Thanks Uncle Tony