Topic: distributor & timing problems

[ror_schach]

car has been setting for a couple years. i couldn't get it to start. i thought it was because of bad gas. i dropped the tank and replaced it because it was completely rusted. also replaced the filter. replaced spark plugs. i think the distributor was taken off and put back wrong. how would i go about fixing this?

[Soaring]

Was it running when parked? If so, then the timing and distributor settings should be fine.  If not, then get back.  You also have gas lines that get crud in them while sitting over the years, and carbs that need rebuilding after years of sitting. 

[ror_schach]

its a 93 GT. it ran when parked. had a water leak but ran. water leak was coming from around the head gasket i thought. ran before i took the head off. i replaced the gaskets and seals. ran after i put it back together. still had a water leak though. turned out to be a simple 60 cent freeze plug behind the alternator in the head. so i put the freeze plug in. put everything back together and couldn't get it to start. i think the distributer cap might have been off while someone tried to start the car, i had some "help" at the time. but i never messed with the timing. can the timing get messed up by taking the distributer out?

[BlackShadow]

If you took the distributor out chances are the timing is off

[Soaring]

I concur. May be 180 out. 

[ror_schach]

so where do i go from here? i need to get the #1 piston back to tdc before i can put the distributer back in right? i kinda need a complete walkthrough with this. can anybody help?

[Soaring]

It needs to be static timed.   After you get it static timed, then you need to use a timing light to get it perfectly in time.  Here's how.
http://www.custompistols.com/cars/articles/ignition_timing.htm

[ror_schach]

got the car going today, runs like a champ. thanks for the help guys. couldn't have done it without you.