UK Car Repair: M reg fiesta cut-out & now mis-fire, spark generator, problem answers

Question
Car has been stood for 6mths. A 1.2 petrol I originally changed plugs & HT leads but it had a slight mis-fire.I left it at that. Now 6mths later I came back to it and was surprised to find the leads configured; 1234 clockwise on the distributor cum HT spark generator instead of 1342 or whatever. I have 1342 and other config's but smoothest run is 1234 but has this mis-fire. Could replacing the "dizzy" sort the mis-fire and the original "cut-out" problem. Answers please.

Answer
The correct firing order is 1342, make sure you look in the cap to see how the wires connect.  You may have a timing problem from a worn gear or chain.  I would start by doing a compression test, then establish where TDC No 1 is. Set the distributor by hand so that the points are just opening then try to start the car.  The timing can be finished off with a light or by ear.