ok here goes..... my car is missing and backfiring and carrying on like crazy.... i bought a new distributor, pick up, module, coil, wires, plugs replaced all and reset timing and it still does it the only thing i can think of is the reman distributor didnt have the plastic cover that covers the star looking gears under the rotor..

are they needed? I'm getting mixed answers i would think that it is but the parts store said no.. anyone know if i needed that or whats the problem

oh and the computer shows no codes

 

Just a suggestion, but check the timing again and watch closely to see if it stays rock steady or does it seem to fluctuate over a few degrees.

You need to do it with the advance system isolated and with it working - you have to check your manual for your model to do that

If it fluctuates, the distributer bearings may be slack and that will cause backfires and rough running. Or the computer controlled advance system is not working

If it is steady, and it advances properly use the timing light to check all the spark plugs are getting power.

Then you need to remove and check the spark plugs have all been firing.

Thats the first and easiest check to make before getting in deeper, but with no codes showing, it sounds the most likely.

Don't assume the any new parts are good, so still suspect the distributer until you are sure it is OK.

I don't know how important the cover over the star is, that sounds like the 8 pointed rotor that triggers the pick up to fire the ignition. I don't think it should make much difference.

If non of this works, then you need to check the fuel system, but check the easy stuff first.

 

I hate this car!!! I'm buying a ford!!!! NOT!

I was playing with my timing light and it doesnt stay a steady strobe on any of the cylinders. they all Flash nice and consistant 5 or so times then there is a missed flash i did this on about 3 or 4 of the cylinders...( not timing light tested it on my truck and worked perfect) so its electrical, now the question is what?

I guess now I ll just start returning parts starting with the distibutor

 

It could be any part of the distributer. If it was sold as a complete unit I'd take it all back and change or ask for your money back.

It does sound mostly however like the distributer was not re-bushed properly if at all. That will give the symptoms. Also if the original had a cover over the star then you want a replacement which has a cover.

When you get it out, see if you can detect even the faintest slack in the shaft, it only needs a tiny bit of wear and it is shot.