need help with timing '88 XT6

[krudville]

My son is trying to start his xt after replacing the cap and rotor. something went wrong and the new rotor broke. He has put the old parts back on but it does not start. Sounds like its trying, but no go. I want to make sure the wires are correct. can you tell me the firing order and how the wires should be on the distributor. Any help will be appreciated.

[john in KY]

163254. Odd numbers passenger side, even numbers driver's side.

[grossgary]

some caps are numbered - so look on the cap as well .

Wires:
the spark plug wires need to be installed in the correct position on the cap - corresponding to the cylidner the other end is attached too.

passengers side starting from the front of the car is cylinders 1, 3, 5
drivers side starting from the front of the car is 2, 4, 6

Distributor itselfif this was physically removed or pulled up even a little bit - there's a gear in the bottom that has to be exactly engaged the way it was when it's reinstalled - if he pulled it up (or out/off) at all the teeth likely aren't properly aligned. i prefer just matching another vehicle's set up to get it pointed in the right direction but can't do that without another vehicle available.

[krudville]

Thanks for the replies. How do you know distributor is correct without another car to verify. Any settings, marks?

[john in KY]

Was the distributor pulled? Have you checked for spark? Don't understand how the rotor was damaged. Is the distributor shaft loose? Did anyone mess with the coil?