[alfa] Spider timing problems - won't start

["Shawn Mayer" <shawn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello all - 
I've just finished putting my engine back together (79 spider w/ spica)
after a head gasket replacement and head rebuild. Of course, then I just
prayed that it would start when I finally turned the key today. but no
such luck. When I turn the key, the engine will turn for a few seconds
as though it is trying to start, and then after a short time there will
be a loud "bang" that sounds roughly like a loud backfire. I'm assuming
that this means I'm at least getting fuel and spark? 
 
So I'm wondering about timing issues. When I was putting the chain back
on, the cams turned a hair as I was reassembling. I was going to retime
them, but I noticed that they were (by random chance) actually set with
slightly increased overlap (intake advanced, exhaust retarded - both
less than 1/8th inch off journal mark). I know that a lot of people do
just that for a few extra HP, so I went ahead and left it. First
question is - is that likely to be causing my problem? Does one need to
adjust disto timing with such a slight cam adjustment? And then - if
it's NOT the problem, I assume the next things to check are disto and
injection timing. Anyone else have any thoughts on what I need to look
for?
 
Thanks for your advice (again)..
 
Shawn Mayer
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