20 Most Recent 1978 Chevrolet Caprice Questions & Answers

That distributor is an easy one. You need to connect the harness attached to the distributor housing to the cap. There is a marking on the cap that says "Batt" Connect that to the hot lead from the ignition switch that is on (with 12V present) and off with switch off. Likely the connector and wire are still in the engine compartment somewhere near the distributor. The other lead connection is marked "tach" you don't need to connect it anywhere but can attach a hand held or on dash tachometer to it.
If you get no spark from the distributor, either the module inside it is bad (no test for that. they are either good or bad) or one of the wires coming from the pickup coil that attach to the module has broken (common on those). (assuming good or new cap, rotor and coil).
It's a very simple and reliable distributor. In fact I'm using one on a 305 Monte Carlo racemobile right now. (with MSD coil, cap and rotor)!!!

Here's a youtube video showing the basic process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M8Pfy8cYek Distributor Replacement In Chevy 350 Distributor Replacement In Chevy 350

fuel filter is clogged at the line on the carberator

Was this engine apart?
If so, could be valve lash adjustment. too tight will cause predetonation, however a bad head gasket can be a culprit also. Do a compression check on both cylinders to determine. If your loosing coolant, good bet it's a head gasket. However, a cracked dizzy or carboned up cap can cause it also. I will tell you it's not a timing issue.
Dan

Check the wires on the alternator- some were routed in a way that they could wear through from mislocation of the harness so the wire would be cut through by a pulley.If can also be a loose connection down at the starter, or at the block depending which battery cable you follow. It can also be a faulty or failed starter solenoid too..

YOU MUST REMOVE THE TRANSMISSION TO GET TO THE FLYWHEEL

sounds like you may have a leaking rear wheel cylinder. Once you remove the drum you should be able to see if it is leaking.

If its leaking enough for you to see it on the back of the tire than the brake shoes are probably soaked as well and will need to be replaced. I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_d728a59f986299fa

Hope this helps.

OK,here we go. Remove starter, exhaust pipes if in way, flywheel pan. Your have raise engine 3 in. Unbolt pan.

Under the dash. Left of steering wheel.

Your is old enough. Sounds like hose or hoses come off the vent or vents.