If the distributor shaft has side to side play it is probably worn out. If the shaft has no play just replace the cap and rotor.
any parts store can get you the right parts.
More generally speaking: Many engines use electronic controls rather than the older style mechanical distributor. Follow the spark plug wires from the plugs to wherever they connect. If the other end isn't a distributor, it's probably a coil pack in which case you don't HAVE a distributor. GM has been using coil packs on their 4 cylinder engines for quite some time now. Don't expect a distributor on your engine.
your distributer cap is probably loose. so u need to have some one try to start it while you rotate it. basically need to time it. i tryed that
It is located underneath the distributor rotor. It is fastened down with two screws in the distributor housing. For the best access to it you will need to remove the following: spark plug wires from the distributor cap (be sure to label them for correct re-installation), distributor cap and distributor rotor.
If you don't have spark at the plugs, or at the distributor cap, the problem is probably a faulty ignition module. This is located under the distributor cap and ignition rotor. You need test equipment to check the coils, modules and pole pieces.
Need to know the year of engine to answer correctly.
In the distributor,you need to remove the dist cap & then remove the rotor and it will be mounted to the distributor housing
1. If you haven't already pulled the old distributor, just turn the engine by hand until the rotor points to #1, then pull the old distributor, point the new one at #1 and slide it in. You'll notice that the gears turn the rotor a little and you'll probably have to pull the distributor and compensate for the amount that the rotor turned. 2. If you HAVE already pulled the old distributor, make sure the engine is turned to #1TDC. You'll need to be careful since it's possible to have the crankcase "360 degrees out", meaning that #1 is at TDC of compression stroke every OTHER time it turns. One way to know for certain is to remove the #1 plug, turn the engine forward by hand until you feel compression, then continue to turn the engine by hand until #1 is at TDC. THEN, point the rotor at #1 and slide it into position. If you don't know where #1 is supposed to be on the distributor, you may need to refer to either a shop manual or one of the cheap manuals available at most auto parts retailers.
Need to buy a GM factory cap,wires, rotor. That will take care of it.
any parts store can get you the right parts.
I need more information. The only rotor I can think of that you might mean is the one under the distributor cap in the ingnition system.
On the distributor shaft, there is a painted mark, aline this with the two holes in the distributor shaft, located just below the gear. Mark the outside of the distributor where the rotor is pointed. On the inside of the distributor, you will find two cast marks, one stamped with an 8 and the other with a 6. For V-8's rotate the rotor until it is aligned with the 8. Now mark this location on the outside of the distributor. They should be about 45 degrees apart. The first mark is the direction the rotor should be pointing when you begin to install the distributor. When the distributor is fully seated, the rotor should be pointed to the 8 and the second mark. Snug the distributor into place and place the distributor cap on and tighten the screws for the cap. The plug wire post should be perpendicular to the center line of the engine.
Spark plug wires crossed, Bad distributor cap and /or rotor, Exhaust leaks close to engine, Worn camshaft/lifters, Burned valve, Also need to know if it is backfiring out the tail pipe or out the carburetor, it makes a difference.
if you take you hand and rube across the rotor and it feels rough or if there is a grove in it then that bad, a rotor should away be as smooth as possible, depending on how thick the rotor it you might can get the rotoe turned if it isn't too late
You may have messed up the firing order. Need to know what engine and year you have to help you.
That is possible but we need to know what make, model, year and engine you have that you want to upgrade.
Could be spark in the motor, or the distributor and rotor need to be replaced.