Topic: 400F won't start and backfires badly

[mrenfro]

I've got a 400F engine I installed into a 350F frame and trying to get it running in order to sell as a running 400F engine.  The rest of the 350F is crap.  Anyway, it doesn't have the starter motor so I'm having to kick it.  When I try to kick start it, it won't fire up but will intermittently either attempt to start or backfire.  Checked the timing, plugs, points don't arc when opened and closed so I assume the condensers are good.  The carbs were recently rebuilt and at this point I assume there's enough fuel to at least make it start even if it runs poorly.

Any help appreciated.

[carnivorous chicken]

switched wires from the points to coils?

[mrenfro]

aha!  I think you may have just embarrassed me!  haha  gonna check that at lunch.  thanks

[scottly]

Also, check that the #1 and #4 spark plugs are fed from the same coil (usually the left one) and #2 and #3 are fed from the other coil.

[mrenfro]

thanks

[ADW]

Soooooo...what's the result? Did you fix it?