what reasons might there be for a rebuilt 57 chev eng. not to start?

Answer these questions to get yourself started:

1) Is it getting fuel? If not, check the fuel pump.

2) Is it getting spark? If not, check the points (and their gap), coil, wires, and timing.

Also, check to see if the distributor is in correctly. It is possible to install it 180 degrees off. This will cause it to not start.

REAL mechanics are capable of giving advice like this and not copping out by saying "any of a thousand different things" or "the possibilites are infinite;" that's just lame.

it takes 3 things to start an engine, fuel, spark and compression. I will assume compression is not the issue due to a new engine rebuild. But check the compression anyway. If the compression is good at all cylinders, 140+lbs, then check for spark. Check the timing to make sure it is on the money, make sure the distributor is in correctly. Then check for fuel. These are all you need to start that engine, if anything is out of the norm, then you may have to look into why. The timing chain may be installed wrong for one. Did you do the rebuild? Did you align the timing marks from the crank to the cam?

good luck.....

did you get the distributor in right? put number 1 piston all the way up and see where the rotor is pointing to. it should be pointing to number 1 plug wire on the cap. also check to see if the engine is getting gas. how about the spark? are you getting spark to the plugs? if not then it could be a bad coil. nice car though ! it,s probably a 350, 327 or a 283.

it takes 3 things for a motor to run air fuel spark. check for each When you put the tining chain did you put it in right/ If not it will not run. Did you put the distributor in on top dead center of the power stroke or exhaust. That is where i would check

bad Fuel pump

incorrect timing

faulty coil

remember the rotor on a chevy should be in the middle of 1 ..8 cylinder on your cap at top dead center.does it have hei or the standard points? could be your points that are not set right.

About 1,000 different things.

None of which could we troubleshoot without looking at the engine.

It's like asking "why is a person dead?".

Infinite possibilities. And guessing is pointless, since we're not there to diagnose.

Most common probs with a new rebuild is

1) timing not set right, dizzy 180* off

2) cam/timing set installed wrong, dots on gears not at 6 and 12:00

3) Valves not adjusted right

It could be the starter, or the solenoid.