Nissan Repair: Timing/Distributor for 1988 200sx, vacuum hose, distrubutor

Question
Recently replaced the distributor and now I am having problems getting it to run. I have spent countless hours trying to get the timing right. I got the engine to Top Dead Center and alligned the distributor. I can get it started but it will not stay started. I also tried rotating the distributor 180 degrees and it gets worse. Do you have any thoughts on what it could be or what to check next? It ran fine before the distrubutor went so I am not sure where to go next. I have verified all the wires are correct on the distributor cap and the plugs look fine.

Answer
James,

The distributor can only go in two ways.  If you had it in one way and it ran you have the mechanical timing correct.  Now, follow the directions on setting the timing with a timing light.  But, if it were me I would go and check the wires again.  Find number one on the cap and then trace each wire to make sure.  Once you have done that set the timing.  On your car there should be instructions on the hood sticker for setting the timing like unplugging a vacuum hose and plugging it to set the base timing.  Check it out and email me back and let me know how it goes.