It will run for a little while but sounds really bad and dies when you put it in gear. thought it might just need tuned up because it seemed to run slightly better once i messed around with spark plug wire connections. Now I am not sure everything is in right place

need engine size, I might could post a diagram.

Hmmm? This should be a Mustang II - V6 was popular 1-4-2-5-3-6 ----- dist turns CW, 4cy 1-3-4-2 -----dist turns CW and V8 302 only 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8- dist turns CCwise. Paper books still here!

T
Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest Boston - USA
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http://www.autoacsystems.com/tomgreenleaf/

I am sorry its a 2.3 4cylinder. Is number 1 closest to the front of the car or the firewall?

someone told me today that the starter could be hanging up and that would make the car run bad and shake like all hell and sound like something was getting in the way of the engine

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker here are some things to check for.

Ok: This is like the old days - can't copy and paste the book in front of me. 2.3 four cylinder - #1 is front toward water pump/fan - then 2-3-4 going along towards rear of car, got it? Again firing order going from #1 at cap is 1-3-4-2 ...... going clockwise as you look down at the cap.

Distributor is on driver's side and if distributor hasn't been completely turned around or messed with the #1 of the four outer plug wire holes should face towards driver's side front headlight - got that too?

Starter: If not retracting from "start" mode it would screech. If the whole motor was loose it probably would grind at best while starting (wouldn't get a good ground either) and rattle around perhaps touching ring gear making grinding noise but not effecting the way engine runs or make it shake as its job is done after starting. In short - you'd hear something real wrong - metal to metal type noises.....

T
Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest Boston - USA
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http://www.autoacsystems.com/tomgreenleaf/