Cleaveland won't start, backfires through carb.

Check for spark and make sure the timing is correct. Try a little starting fluid in the carb. If it starts then you have a fuel delivery problem.

Thanks. The timing has not been touched since it started 6 month ago and I made sure the bolt was tight. I have tried pouring gas down the carb, and it did pretty much the same. So does that rule out a fuel problem?

I failed to mention that the engine, prior to putting in the car, was set up on a dyno machine and it ran just fine.

Back firing indicates a timing problem. Possibly too far advanced.

I failed to mention that the engine, prior to putting in the car, was set up on a dyno machine and it ran just fine.

Take the carby to get reconditioned,, i had the same problem with my 351 Cleveland, $34 latter i was blasting thru the hills

Ive got a problem with my one now, it sat for 7-8 months next to vegetation then wouldnt start,, water was in the tank, I rekon it was sabotaged it had 20 litres or so of water in the tank, i ceaned the water out of everything , got more petrol and engine start , i noticed the plugs were black so i cleaned them up , it still wont start , someone please help me i dont know mechanics