[Tomahawk30]

Originally Posted by rsavage

Based on your description, I still think it is either spark plug wiring and timing or fuel issue. Even if you bent a pushrod (why don't you remove that rocker and check the pushrod and rocker and spring) the engine should run on 7 cylinders easily if it has fuel and correctly timed spark. Start over from scratch - put it on TDC on number 1 with both valves closed, make sure your rotor is pointing at number 1 on the cap when the cap is seated on the distributor and follow the firing order clockwise insuring that the wires go to the right cylinders. It ran before you changed the plugs and wires right? If so, start there. Good luck

I agree that is should run on 7 cylinders. I certainly don't think the spring would be the ONLY issue, as mine was still running (rough) with no compression on #6. The other symptoms just sounded painfully familiar so I thought I'd put it out there to at least take a look at them.

It does sound more like an ignition / timing issue with it only running briefly. I actually had THAT issue with my 69 GMC last spring. Fought it and fought it between cold weather spells, and finally determined it was combination of EXTREMELY advanced timing, and poorly gapped (and eventually fouled) plugs. I eventually started from scratch, pulled and reseated the dizzy, set TDC on number 1, gapped and replaced the plugs, and it started right up on the first tap of the starter. It has started with little to no effort ever since, even in single degree temps.

I've definitely made a lot of mistakes playing with my rigs, but eventually you learn something when you fight your way through it (and do a lot of reading on the forums!).