Cranks, Won't start, Backfires

[bolenballa]

I have an s13 with redtop and it is cranking but won't fire and backfires after i stop cranking any ideas?

[CoupedUp]

Your timing is off most likely.

Loosen bolts and turn the CAS while cranking.

Is this a new install? Random?

[Hijacker]

I bet the CAS is off 180 degrees. Done that before.

[karmakaze]

def. timing

[bolenballa]

New install guys, how do i find top dead center on the compression stroke not the intake stroke?

[Hijacker]

There's only two TDCs. Compression and exhaust. The S14 FSM tells you when resetting the CAS to TDC of the compression stroke (that would be when the front cam lobes are both not engaging the valves). When I set my motor up using the FSM, I was a complete 180 degrees out of time. I would suggest trying TDC of the exhaust stroke and see if that fixes your problem.

[CoupedUp]

What i always do is remove all 4 plugs, put my hand or whatever over the spark plug well feel the pressure build up then put a long screwdriver in and rotate it to its highest point.

[Hijacker]

An easier way is to look at your crank pulley and wait till it shows TDC (second tick mark from the left)

But to reinstall your CAS, you typically have to remove the valve cover or else you don't know which TDC you're at.