I have a 1989 s10 with a 2.8 5 speed and it will not start, the problem was hit and miss and when it would arise starting fluid would fire it up now it will not start at all.

If it runs while spraying starting fluid in it and dies when you stop, your fuel pump is likely bad.

I suggest you get one of those manuals people get nowadays to do it yourself.. Also My nephew use it to repair my car and it's totally repaired now. Here's the website he bought it from.
Best Manuals

Check for plug leads touching each other. Check for moisture in distributor cap if you have one. Check plugs and replace if necesary

Hello, Most likely the problem is either the Module or the Pickup coil on the distributor breaker plate. They make a small screwdriver to remove the Module without removing the Distributor. There is usually a packet of Heat compound to smear on the flat surface of the Module when it is attached to the Distributor.

If you have any Starting fluid, you can find out if this is a fuel problem or a fire problem. If you have fire, the truck will hit on the starting fluid.

If you find that the fuel is the problem, look for an Inertia switch which is probably behind the passengers or drivers foot kick panel. There should be a button to press to reset this safety feature.

I hope my solution was very helpful to you.

check fuel filter

Sounds like a miss fire, try a tune up if its been a while since your last one. Plugs wires air filter, etc.
Look at your exhaust with the car idling, if its dark grey then you have unburnt fuel in your exhaust and a tuneup is a good place to start. If it is blueish grey then you are probably burning oil and may need an intake gasket or valve seals.
Also check your fluid levels, especially coolant and oil. if the oil level is high and the coolant is low you may have a deeper issue and may need to take it to a repair shop.

cheek youre plugs and plug wires four the miss firing depinding if the car spudder before it died could be fule problem cheek the fule pump fule injectors and fule filter if its carb make sher its set rite <is it still turn over or complety ded win you put the key in

sounds like you may have a miss fire may be plugs plug wires

Start by checking spark plugs, if only one of your spark plugs are not in optimal conditions your cylinder will miss fire causing the rough idle.

try changing the fuel filter