1952 Chevy Truck 3100 - Timing?

I have a 216 engine that will not start unless I prime the carb - it will then run, but roughly. I have rebuilt the carb & installed a new vacuum advance and manifold gaskets. Would bad timing cause this problem? If yes, can I simply disconnect the vacuum line to the distributer, have a low idle, & then set the timing? (I don't have anything to measure the rpm & hope that I don't need one.) Thanks for any help. Bob

 

You should be able to do that. But it sounds like you have more problems than just timing.

 

Ok, will it keep running on it's own after you prime the carb? Or does it just start and run until the fuel bowl runs out of gas?

Usually the no start without priming the carb issues are brought about by:
Bad accelerator pump
Choke not working right.
Bad or weak fuel pump.
restriction in fuel line
Fuel level in the tank too low for the pump to pick it up.

Other things may be
Timing off
Compression that is quite low.
starter not cranking the engine over fast enough.
Weak spark from the coil.
Bad wires that don't let enough spark through to start unless there is a richer than normal mixture.

It's hard to diagnose any problems on a car over the net, over the phone or in the aisle at the grocery store if a guy doesn't have all the info.

 

After starting, it continues to run. After warming up, I can shut it off & re-start it; but if left for 10 minutes - won't start again unless primed. New fuel pump was installed 2 yrs. ago; also has new sp wires & coil and the gas tank was boiled out & sealed. Engine has 85,000 miles on it, but when it ran - blew very little smoke, so I ***ume the compression is ok. So, from what you suggested, sounds like the carb/fuel system?

 

When you move the throttle, does the accelerator pump in the carb shoot some fuel? Should be able to see it when you look down into the venturi (engine not running)

If the accelerator pump is not working, fix that first.