Pontiac Repair: running ruff, 1986 cutlass ciera, distributor id

Question
1986 cutlass ciera 2.5ltr engine was stumbling running very rough could not pick up speed died at stop light got it home now it wont start its getting spark and fuel when it starts runs for around 5 seconds then dies it pops and backfires when your turning it over

Answer
Hey Lance:

I would look at the distributor. maybe a pick up coil or an ignition module the backfire issue would lead me to believe it's some sort of an ignition system issue. possable an ignition coild problem too.. Take the distributor cap off and take a look at the connections in the distributor id the pick up coil looks bad meaning the insulation is crumbling off the coil it's on it's way out. You can measure the reistance of the pick up coil unplug it from the module it should be between 800-1200 ohms and not show a short to the base of the distributor if so replace it and while your in there replace the module as well. good luck :)