well, I think I put my distributor in the wrong way When I changed my oil pump I took it out to make the job a little easier but I didn't follow the instructions in the manuel, I just marked where the reluctor was and pulled it out. Now that I have put it back in my car won't idle and backfires when i try to start it. I tried taking it out again, cranking the car to TDC and pointing the rotor to the #1 plug but it did not work. How can I get this whole mess straightened out?
Also a side note about my timing...
Is my distributor going bad? My timing mark bounces about 6 degrees when I'm trying to adjust it and my car will not idle at TDC, could it also be my timing chain?

can anyone help?? thanks

Here is a good trick to get back to the proper distributor position:

-Set the engine to 5 before TDC *compression stroke*. (both valves closed)
-Pull the #1 spark plug, leave the wire connected and ground the plug to the iron head.
-Remove the distribitor hold down bolt.
-Switch "on" the ignition (don't crank it) then go to the distributor and rotate it back and forth while you watch the grounded spark plug tip. You will see it spark (fire) as you pass the proper position to set the distributor.
Spark, spark, spark, . . . turn the distributor back and forth, move a tooth if you need to, find the place right where the spak happens and lock down the distributor.
-Reinstall the #1 spark plug and start it up, double check the timing and you should be go to go.
DD

wow, I tried everything to get this beast to start with no luck. But man oh man this worked! Thank you thank you thank you!