its an 86 computer controlled carb lg4


I got the distributor right once and it ran but then had to take it off to change the TV cable seal for the transmission. When I put it back on (I remembered where the rotor was pointing before I took it off) and tried to crank it, it sounded like it was going to start, like it had that high speed cranking like it's almost there, but it just puffs some smoke out the carb. I thought "hmm guess I should try putting the distributor in backwards". After I did that I got that slow cranking like the battery was out of juice. I'm thinking I had it right the first time I just had the distributor advanced or retarded too much one way.


When it's trying to start like that does it means it's too advanced or too retarded?

 

why would you rotate it 180?
You most probably had it just off a little on timing.
try it both ways...little forward then little back til it starts. Then use a timing light to set it correctly and done.
Good luck.