Hello I have a 307 chev, turns over but does not start, I have reset TDC. The engine tries to run sometimes but will also forward fire through Carby also found the to have up down play in dist shaft.

SOURCE: installing distributor in 97 jeep 4.0

It does matter. The advance unit is affected by the position of the distributer.In engines with no distributer (visible) is totally run by the PCU.

SOURCE: 98 5.7L chevrolet

Engines don't jump time when they are not running.

Rotor will point to number 1 plug wire with every other rotation of the crank.

Get an auto repair manual to confirm you have plug wires in right order on distributor cap.

Also suggest finding Factory Service Manuals at library to get troubleshooting charts and diagnostics.

SOURCE: I have a 1995 chev lumina 3.1 engine. The car

It almost sounds to me like your EGR valve is full of carbon and not able to open properly so your engine is running rich.

SOURCE: cannot start changing pugs and wires

Sounds like you have the firing order right but your off on the #1 on the distributer. Every time you get an explosion coming from the carb its misfiring. Find the #1 on dist and continue with firing order

SOURCE: Rebuilt my 454 engine, installed distributor with

The ignition timing is not adjusted with a timing light or with the engine running, and to set the ignition timing follow these procedures.

There is a mark or notch on the distributor housing that the rotor should be pointing to when the engine is on TDC. (Top Dead Center) This "Static" timing is all that matters and the computer will be able to control the timing as long as the ignition rotor is in that position when the engine is at TDC.

1. Place the engine at top dead center.

2. Look under the distributor cap and find where the number one terminal runs under the distributor cap, and where that position on the distributor cap corresponds with the distributor housing, and it should match up to a mark or a notch on the distributor housing (usually has a #6 for 6 cylinder engines or a #8 for 8 cylinder engines) indicating the number one TDC alignment position.

3. With the engine on top dead center the ignition rotor should be pointing to the number one TDC alignment mark or notch that is on the distributor housing, if it is not then loosen up the distributor and turn the distributor until the ignition rotor is pointing to and aligned with the TDC alignment mark or notch on the distributor housing and then tighten down the distributor, the engine should now be "Static" timed. (The more precise that you are aligning the TDC alignment mark with the ignition rotor the better the engine will run, and it will be less likely that there will be a camshaft to crankshaft correlation problem)

If the distributor can not be turned enough to align the ignition rotor with the number one TDC alignment mark on the distributor housing, or the distributor does not set properly and will not allow the installation of the spark plug wires then the distributor is not installed correctly and is most likely a tooth off and it will need to be re-installed correctly. (The distributor should set like it is shown in the firing order diagram when it is properly installed)

Here is a firing order diagram to also help assist you.