i just replaced head gasket. i put cam on the E mark and crank is on the keyway with a dot. i left the distributor in the stock position. 1 o'clock as they say. i was wonder did i miss a sensor or something not hooked up. i have check for two days and still stumped. oh by the way its a 95 geo tracker.

Is the "E" mark on the cam pointed up (at 12:00)?  If so, you need to have your distributor rotor pointing to the #4 tower (not the number 1...which it sounds like what you have it pointed at now).

Or you dont have it in time.. Did you make sure the #1 cylinder is TDC on a compression stroke? If not do that then pull the distributer up, just the top half (one bolt) with the cap off, and turn the button to the #1 wire, then you will have it in time and she should fire up.

Yes the E time mark is at 12:00 with the v cut out in the valve cover. The distributor was set at tower four but still wasn't starting. I'm not really sure if the no.1 is on compression syroke. But I got it on tdc. With the dot point up at 12:00.

Yes the E time mark is at 12:00 with the v cut out in the valve cover. The distributor was set at tower four but still wasn't starting. I'm not really sure if the no.1 is on compression syroke. But I got it on tdc. With the dot point up at 12:00.

Again, crank mark 12, cam mark 12, distributor rotor has to point and the #4 tower.
                                       OR
Crank mark 12, cam mark 6, distributor rotor has to point to the #1 tower.

If that is set right, look around and make sure you have all you wiring connectors plugged in and firmly seated.

ok put your finger in the #1 spark plug hole and have someone turn the motor till it feels like a big gust of air comes out, that's your compression stroke then use a screwdriver to see if it's tdc, turn your distributor to #1 plug tower and like skyhiranger said, make sure everything is connected. Should fire right up

thanks for the help. im on lunch. im going give it a try.

i tried both ways and still isnt firing right. what else can it be??

My supervisor and I got working on itblate after work. The distributor was off a tooth or two. Now its in time and running. Thanks for the help.