Steps for replacing a distributor?

Okay, i need some help here. Due to the wonderful craftsmanship of GM on their OEM distributor, I need to replace mine due to the housing cracking when I went to replace the cap and rotor.

So I bought a new one, took the old one out, but when I went to put the new one in, the truck would backfire when I tried to start it and wouldnt start. So I read up a little and realized that I didnt properly adjust the rotor to point to the 8 on the distributor. So I did that put it all back in and it still wont start. It turns over, just wont fire. What am I missing?

This is a 1996 Z71 with a 350 vortec.

You didn't put it back in the same position it came out. You need to mark the location of the distributor and where the rotor is pointing with reference marks and line the new on up with them.

You now must find top dead center on the #1 cylinder and put the distributor in at that firing location.

Someone will be along to tell you how to do that.

I am pretty familiar with how to set it to TDC. I have a compression gauge so I will remove the #1 plug, crank the engine to let it build up pressure and keep turning until the pressure is released, correct? As far as the mark on the on the crank pully to timing cover, not sure I am seeing this.

Some marks are hide and some even have two different marks and some no pointer.
Always look between block and water pump from top side for a mark.

With no 1 plug out reach in there with something soft and feel for top of piston to roll over TDC compression.

Then
Go to this link.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=51302


AFTER ENGINE IS RUNNING YOU WILL NEED TO CHECK/CHECK CAMSHAFT RETARD WITH A ENGINE CAPABLE SCANNER.

Good Luck and
Let us know how it goes.

Okay, i found the marks. Not as difficult as I thought. When you say to feel for the piston to turn over on compression stroke, are you talking about when it drops back down to its lowest point?

Or am I already at TDC by lining up the marks?

Or am I already at TDC by lining up the marks?

When you start to feel the compression build line up your marks.

As said some have two different marks.
TDC is when piston is at the very top.