Timing issue

[1quikgt]

I've just finished installing a new h/c/i on my 95 mustang and I'm trying to set the timing. I have the #1 piston at tdc, the timing mark on the balancer is set to 10*, the distributor rotor is pointing to number and the spout connector is removed. We can get the car to start but it runs really rough like the timing is off and when we go to adjust it the car dies and then we have a hard time starting it again without going back and starting the whole process. I feel like we're missing a step somewhere but all my research shows that we're on the right track. Can anyone offer some ideas or assistance?

[ZR]

Do you have a timing light to confirm once started?
If not light, have you run with spout in place?
Assume you've confirmed firing order is correct?

[ZR]

If non stock injectors / MAF, calibrated or running a chip?

[ZR]

Adjustable or bolt down rockers?
Confirm correct lifter preload?

[Frankie]

Maybe distributor is stabbed a full turn out?

[Parkway Ford Lincoln SVT]

Does the car still have the original harmonic damper? If so, could the bonding from the outer section to the hub be letting go, allowing it to move in relation to the crank? That would give you a false reading for crank position obviously when trying to read the timing.

[1quikgt]

Yes we have tried with the spout in place, firing order has been checked and rechecked. Injectors are 30# and maf is calibrated for 30#. The rockers are comp cam stud mount and were installed according to their directions. It is the original damper and it does not look like the bonding is separating. We've moved the distributor rotor in multiple directions so I'm not sure what is meant by stabbed a full turn out?

[svo1990mustang]

Shot in the dark, did you happen to put a NON H.O. cam in an H.O. motor?

Is the firing order correct?

[tulowd]

Sure sounds like 2 spark plug wires are backwards or the firing order is snafu - check this out:




next time you get it started, try rotating the distributor back and forth to see if you can get it to idle - once you do, as the idle speed increases, you are advancing the timing.

[ZR]

What firing order are you using?
Positive the camshaft matches? Meaning, just because it's a roller, does not guarantee it's HO firing order (cams are made both ways).