Classic/Antique Car Repair: Ignition Timing, chevy ii nova, chevy 250

Question
Hey,
I have a 1964 Chevy II Nova, 4-dr sedan. I was driving and then it cut off, and
now it won't start. It almost starts and then it cuts off. A friend of mine told
me that it was because the timing was off, but I'm wondering how to adjust it.
My engine is Chevy 250 Inline 6.
Thanks so much
Gus

Answer
Timing doesn't change unless the distributor is loose.  Grab the distributor cap and try to rotate it (without taking the cap off or loosening the clamp bolt at the base of the distributor). If it doesn't turn easily, your timing hasn't changed - so start looking elsewhere for the problem.

Step #1 is to determine if the problem is ignition or fuel.  The easy way to do that is to take the air cleaner off the top of the carburetor, and put about 2 ounces of gasoline down the front part of the carburetor, then re-install the air cleaner and try to start the engine. If it starts, even briefly, your problem is lack of fuel.  If it doesn't, the probability is high that you have an ignition problem.   The way to prove that is to remove the wire from the center of the distributor cap and place it so that the end of the wire is within about 1/8 inch of the metal block of the engine.  You will probably have to devise some way to hold it in that position - maybe use a wooden stick to press it close to the block.  Now, have a helper try to start the engine - and you watch to see if there is a spark jumping from the end of the  wire to the engine block.  If there is no spark, you have an  ignition problem.

Let me know the results of these two tests and we'll go to step two, and so forth, until we track down what went wrong.

Dick