ok we tried starting the new engine last night but it doesnt wanna stay on. as soon as i let go of the key and it goes back to on it cuts off why is it doin this?
When you say a new engine I'm guessing it has been rebuilt and this is the first starting it up. If that the case than its pretty easy to figure whats going on. First off check your timing when you put your distributor in make sure that num. 1 cyclinder is top dead center. Then will starting the engine try turning the distributor some to get the timing close. Second your spark plug wiring is off that makes a big diffance. Are you getting spark? Third this should be a no brainer is there gas going into the carb? Either one of them can give the same problem. I hope this helps. Good luck.
Sounds like you might have a wire missing somewhere. Turn the key on and see if there is 12 volts on the + side of the coil. From what you said it, could be that it's only there when the switch is in the start position.
I had the same thing happen to me in my old 70. Turned out to be my ignition switch going bad but since you just put the motor in its probaly just a missing wire or something like Dennis said.
I would check the wires to the solenoid. There is a start and a run side. If reversed this will happen.
Exactly what I was going to mention. The small solenoid terminal on the left, closest to the battery should have the ignition switch wire (usually red w/blue stripe) connected to it, the other small terminal on the right should have the start coil wire attached (usually brown).
