Is my distributor the problem?

I have an 2.5L fuel injected engine in my '89 pickup. It started to loose power then spit and sputter. I initially thought that it was a fuel related problem, but this is definitely not the case.
I replaced the fuel filter, and filled the tank with 93 and some fuel injecter cleaner. This seemed to have no effect. I was so convinced that if was fuel related that I even replaced the fuel pump (I couldn't hear it come on when I turned the key on). I know finally realize that I have timing issues.
I have checked and cleaned my EGR valve and I know my plug wires are good. My gut tells me I have distributor problems(My gut is not so good these days I thought it was the fuel pump!!). Given I can't even get the thing to start. How can I check if its a distributor problem or loose timing chain(bad tensioner) or even ECM problem. What's my next move???

I have an 2.5L fuel injected engine in my '89 pickup. It started to loose power then spit and sputter. I initially thought that it was a fuel related problem, but this is definitely not the case.
I replaced the fuel filter, and filled the tank with 93 and some fuel injecter cleaner. This seemed to have no effect. I was so convinced that if was fuel related that I even replaced the fuel pump (I couldn't hear it come on when I turned the key on). I know finally realize that I have timing issues.
I have checked and cleaned my EGR valve and I know my plug wires are good. My gut tells me I have distributor problems(My gut is not so good these days I thought it was the fuel pump!!). Given I can't even get the thing to start. How can I check if its a distributor problem or loose timing chain(bad tensioner) or even ECM problem. What's my next move???


check your rotor button could be bad

Make sure your distributor wasnt loose. I watched my neighbor run his Chevy for a few months and every day it ran worse. I finally bought it from him and the first thing I checked was the timing. I seen the hold down clamp was loose and it was so far out of time I dont know how it ran. But after adjustment I really pissed off my neighbor.

Then check for spark.

Make sure your distributor wasnt loose. I watched my neighbor run his Chevy for a few months and every day it ran worse. I finally bought it from him and the first thing I checked was the timing. I seen the hold down clamp was loose and it was so far out of time I dont know how it ran. But after adjustment I really pissed off my neighbor.

Then check for spark.

thanks for quick replies. I double checked the distributor cap to see if it was loose. It was ok I also checked cap itself and rotor(which are relatively new). They look good and I have spark. It is so out of whack I can't even get it to start. does anyone know some checks I can do before I start tearing out parts???

I wasnt just referring to the cap. I meant the whole ditributor. I am not sure if that motor has adjustable timing but if it does check to see if you can turn the whole ditributor.

You say you have spark?
I would still check the ignition module.

I wasnt just referring to the cap. I meant the whole ditributor. I am not sure if that motor has adjustable timing but if it does check to see if you can turn the whole ditributor.


Thanks TogDogg, turn out my ignition module is bad.