OOOps! Compression may be too high...

[gotta61comet]

I finally was able to free up some time for the new motoer and mounted up the started. The starter was struggling hard. I tried the NAPA starter, and it cranked a little better. (both were new starters)
To make sure there was nothing binding on the rocker arm assemly, I loosened it.. Same thing. (even putting the battery charger on it with 'Start mode" for a little extra help.
Pulled #1 plug and used a cheesey compression tester (the kind you have to hold in by hand, not the thread in type) I had my son crank it and it just blew the comp gauge fitting out each time (I'm neither small nor weak)
I was able to get the engine to sputter using a squirt of gas and no exhaust (still struggling with the crappy a$$ cliffy header/starter thing)
It's a 67 200 with stock bore. I decked the block 10 thous , 60 thous off the head and using a shim head gasket 15 thous.
Was this a bad ideal? Did I get carried away?
Is there a igh-torque starter for these motors?

Recommendations please!

Jim

 

[gtm1086]

Will the engine crank over with all the spark plugs out? It almost sounds to me like the crank bearings or the rod bearings are a little snug. Did you use plastic gauge to check out your clearances before assembly.

 

[Anonymous]

Jim - You may have too much ignition timing. Turn the distributor clockwise about 20* and see if that helps it crank over.

 

[gotta61comet]

I didn't use the Plasti-gauge. (hmmm) The rotating assembly turned freely before the head installation.
I was also concerned about timing causing a problem during the initial cranking, si I took the coil wire off, and placed it back on to see if the MSD was wired correctly.

Jim