89 RS 305 tbi I had to replace the distributor because the old one was rust and starting to crack. Before i could install it my son turned the key, now I can't seem to get it right. I had it so far out it back fired and busted the muffler. I got it on tdc set the rotor to point roughly at #1 post but it still wont start. At one point i had it running but real rough and when it died it wouldn't restart. So i started over and still no luck. spark but no crank over. Its getting fire and fuel. Any ideas?

 

Welcome to TGO

From your description it appears that engine was turned while old distributor was out. Before you can re-install new distributor (dizzy) you'll have to locate TDC on #1 cylinder.

Procedure:
Remove #1 cyl spark plug and find yourself a 7-Eleven straw. You'll have to turn engine crank shaft with a breaker bar. Removing all plugs makes engine turning easier, but if you have a good size 1/2" ratchet with a breaker bar you can turn it. It helps to have helper (your son can do it) doing the turning. Place a finger on #1 cyl spark plug port - on compression stroke you should feel air pressure. Observe balancer timing tab - you'll see a line indicating TDC against 0. Confirm TDC by probing for piston crown with a straw though the spark plug hole - you found TDC. Now drop dizzy in place - rotor will turn. If you are lucky the oil pump shaft will engage distributor gear bottom (distributor flange will rest on intake manifold) slot or otherwise you'll have to re-align oil pump shaft position with BFS (so that rotor points towards #1Cyl post). This may require couple of attempts to get it right - do not get frustrated.

//RF

 

I just recently installed a new distributor and had a problem with a rough idle afterwards. I would turn the key to start the motor and while the starter was engaged i could hear and see air being pushed out the TB. Once the motor turned over and it was running it ran like crap. The idle was really rough and you could tell it was missing. I swore up and down thinking it was because i couldn't find TDC. After two weeks of checking and rechecking EVERYTHING and setting the car to TDC four times i found the problem while I was changing my spark plugs. I had #1 and #3 plugs crossed at the spark plugs. I uncrossed them and the car ran perfect.

Check your wires and make sure each wire starting at the plug is secured to the proper location on the cap. Sometimes it's the little things that allude us.