Question on fouled plugs

[HardcoreZ28]

I'm still trying to get my latest project started. 66 Mustang 289. Had some fuel and timing issues that I had to sort out and that required cranking the motor over a lot. I'm certain I'm getting fuel now and my timing should be dead on. After trying to start it some more tonight I decided to pull the plugs and obviously they were completely gas fouled....soaked. I hit them with compressed air and then with a heat gun to dry them out and put them all back in. Still a no start. I got a few sputters but that's it.
So here's my question. Once they are fouled with fuel are they pretty much shot, especially on a brand new never run engine? My plan is to pull the old plug out tomorrow at lunch time and let the cylinder sit open in hopes some of the fuel will evaporate out. And I'm going to install a brand new set of plugs. Anything I'm missing here or am I off base at all?

[Ian]

I dont know about the plugs, but if the motor is new and has never been started, you better get that thing to fire up soon. cranking it will wash the cylinder walls with gas and possibly cause them to get scratched.

How is the rest of the ignition system? are you getting full voltage to the dist. and coil? are the dist. and coil new? What kind of compresion ratio does this motor have? if its pretty high, you might have to change the plugs out, but if its just a street motor, the fouled plugs should be able to fire it up...unless they're REALLY fouled (very black and gummy looking).

[WayFast84]

Do the plugs look like this?
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/Wayfast84/Picture033.jpg
Mine were like that and it wouldnt Idle,if its worse possibly wouldnt start..but I dont know anything so.....

[HardcoreZ28]

No the plugs aren't that bad. Haven't checked the voltage to the distributor. I was going to try checking the spark from the coil with one of those spark testers tonight. Dizzy is not new but looks to be in very good condition. I know there is spark to the wires because my inductive timing light is picking it up.
I hear you on washing down the walls. Luckily the first day I was cranking it there was no fuel getting to the motor.

[HardcoreZ28]

Got it running. Replaced the points and condensor and it fired right up. Neds some valve adjustments and carb tuning but should be good too go. Now if only I didn't get antifreeze all over my clean engine bay I'd be really exstatic.

[Tru2Chevy]

Gald to hear that it wasn't anything serious. Good luck getting it all cleaned up :)

- Justin

[HardcoreZ28]

Hahah...all cleaned. Gonna install the power steering and air cleaner assembly tomorrow. Have to wait for the builder or my buddy to come help me set the valves and adjust the carb.....oh yeah and for the snow to melt so the customer can pick it up.