Engine cranks but wont quite start. I have replaced the spark plugs and wires. not sure where on the cap each wire goes, and have no idea where the 5th wiregoes anyone that can help.

Cranking is Turning Over,same thing

jump timing loosen distributor and plus or minus turn and retighten

Hi, Ok you have confirmed that it's not a fuel problem. You need to check for spark. Pull the coil wire off of the coil(secondary lead-looks like a spark plug wire) Have some one crank it over and listen for a popping sound. IF yes, spark is at the coil, that means all ignition sensors are working. Next check for spark at ends of wires after cap. IF no replace cap and rotor. IF yes remove a couple spark plugs and check for fouling(wet, fuel etc...) IF yes replace or clean plugs and retest for starting. IF no spark is present at coil you need to scan computer and watch for rpm signal. IF no rpm signal, replace crankshaft sensor with OEM delco part. BIGGEST problem with these engines is Cap and Rotor burn out.

The fuel pump pressure shoud be 55-61 psi . Check for spark by removing a ignition wire at a spark plug and put a spark plug in wire and hold to engine ground and crank engine , if no spark then remove coil wire at cap and repeat.If still no spark then coil , module,,crank sensor or pickup may be the problem.
Check fuel pump pressure first and if available check for codes for possible crank sensor.

Anytime a car wont start its missing one of the key things it needs to start. Air, Fuel, spark or compression. The first thing to check is to pull a wire off the spark plug and put a screw drive in the end of the wire. Lay the screw driver on the engine near metal. Crank it and look for a large blue spark it should make a nice popping noise.
If no spark try the same thing with the coil wire. If spark its the cap or rotor. No spark its the coil or module.
If the plugs have spark, try pouring a small amount of gas in the throttle body and see if that starts it. If it does, fuel problem check filter and pump.
If it wont start with either or gas in the throttle body and the plugs have spark then it is either a timing or compression issue. Remove the plug wire from the center of the distrib cap and then remove the cap making sure no wires come off. Have someone crank the engine and see if the rotor spins. If it does not you need to replace the timing chain/belt. If it does spin rent a compression checker and check each cylinder.

Hope this helps.

Start with fuel system. Listen for fuel pump humm at fuel tank No humm check wiring to pump for power. Then check for spark at plugs and wires. Remove wire from coil and hold near engine and see arch when you crank. No arch. Replace ignition Modular inside distributor cap or cap or rotor

only 3 things will cause this engine not to start (crank and not start) fuel, ignition, timing.
You haven't mentioned the engine cranks over or not, so I have to assume it cranks over.
Possible timing chain or the crank sensor on the timing chain. Have you checked this? you need to remove number 1 spark plug & when the piston is in the full top position on compression, remove the dist cap & see what spark plug wire the rotor is pointing to inside the dist cap. (I'm sure if you google checking for top dead center you'll find the proper procedure)

Are you getting spark to the plugs?? Take off a plug wire and put close to block 1/2" or so)and have someone crank engine-- is there spark?? if yes check ur fuel system--Fuel system could be plugged( filters) or worst fuel pump .

Possibly the crank sensor.

Only three possiblities. no gas, no spark, or the timing of the 2. So first follow the full lines and disconnect and turn on the ignition. That will start the full pump. you should see gas flow. Next remove a plug wire and dont hold it but place it near a plug or anything metal on the engine. You should see a spark when cranking the car. Finally its the timming of the two. remove spark plug from number 1 cylinder, with a wrench turn the crank shaft around untill the cylinder comes to top dead center. Look through the spark plug hole you should see the piston top. Now take off the distrbuter cap and look to see which terminal the rotor is touching. follow the wire and make sure it is the same wire that goes to the number 1 cylinder. Of course if the distributor rotor isnt rotating then of course your timing belt is broke. Good Luck.