SOS car won't start after head gasket change

[Sgt_Lemon]

I am officially stuck. The cam timing lines up perfect with the crank timing. The distributor is at the correct position but still it won't start. I don't know what else I can do. Help me please. I checked that the sparks are sparking. I checked the crank timing off the case and the fly wheel.

[Mr Blue]

what engine? 8 or 16v?

[Sgt_Lemon]

8v

[Mr Blue]

Crank might be 180degree's out. Easily done.

If it's a digifant (digital management) 8v then the valves wont touch the pistons. It's a nice safety feature.

Also check the leads order.

[Sgt_Lemon]

Haha no way. I spoke to someone on the phone and was told is was 180 out earlier. I flipped it round. This was before realising about the distributor being out however

[Sgt_Lemon]

Just changed it 180 and it back fired. Smoke out the airbox

[Sgt_Lemon]

Changed it back. Redone all timing marks including ignition timing. Tried starting it while twisting the distributor. Is there anything left I could do? It's my daily driver and I need it back on the road ASAP

[Thom89]

Not wishing to sound patronising, but, I think that you may have confused yourself, these problems are nearly always the Dizzy is 180 out... clear head, and maybe someone to help you re set the lot should sort it

Thom

[Sgt_Lemon]

I thought he meant the crank was out. Trying to fire on cylinder 4 instead of 1. Anyway how can I change the dizzy 180. I know where the grove is on the distributor casing, has anyone got a photo (paint drawing) on how the dizzie should be set up?

[Sgt_Lemon]

This is the way round i have the rotor arm lined up. Is this incorrect? is this what should be 180 round the other way?