The last time my engine was running it was getting rougher and rougher to the point of popping and then backfiring. I managed to get the car home and shut it off. Later I checked the HEI distributor to see if it could possibly be rotating and it did. I moved it roughly back to about where it was and the engine will not start. Sometimes it acts like it isn't even close to starting, (charge the battery) and other times (moving the distributor here and there) it will chug and even run for 3 seconds, then quit. It was a good running motor before and quick to start. Can anyone help?

Make certain your engine is in #1 firing position first, then check distributor and make certain rotor is pointing to #1. Do a search for a better explanation than I can give if rotor is pointing elsewhere.

Assuming above is good, and since you haven't removed the distributor, it should just be a matter of rotating it - sounds like you are at the wrong spot now and therefore have your timing too advanced or retarded. If you've got a timing light, it might be a good idea to check where it's really at.

Try putting a timing light on #1 plug wire and check for 2 things while cranking. Does it spark? And is it firing at the right time?

If you've got a timing light, it might be a good idea to check where it's really at. [/QB]Is it possible to check the timing without the engine running ?

Ps. can you get a spark out of a bad HEI distributor. that is if the engine is firing does that mean the distributor is well

Paul, Yes you can check for spark using a timing light even if the engine wont run. HEI is pretty bullet proof. Providing you have a full 12 V the only achiles heal is the wires to the pick up coil breaking on occasion. Usually a light tug on the individuall wires will uncover a bad one. the module will either fail after a hot soak, and when it cools starts right up again or just plain not fire. If you dont have a timing light then a test light at the "TACH" terminal in the cap will tell the tale. Good luck

High mileage engine? If so look for jumped tming chain.

Thank you all, I will get after these things today.

Success !

I couldn't get my timing light to work when cranking the engine, but it almost started when I was checking it our. Playing with the distributor position the gas and the choke it finally caught and stayed running long enough to get the timing set again. To celebrate we cruised to a small town drive in for root beer and a chilli dog. Thanks for your help