Why does it matter, how many cars I have owned. I asked for help, not for douche bag responses
Let me offer a little advice here....
You're new to this site, and may not get the flow of things yet. That's ok, it will come with time and experience.
Some people may be able to help you, some not. You are on the internet, you are bound to get a couple of "off" responses to your post, ignore them, and don't go flying off right away. Flying off and insulting people will just drive more away who could have helped you solve your problem. (put on your thick skin and let the other guy's smart *** comments go - don't take them personally, sometimes we are just having fun). Part of it is kind of an initiation... Like giving a freshman a swirlie...
If you take some of the gruff, and answer some of the necessary questions so we can help you, then you will be able to work through this.
First off, to help you fix it, we need to know a few things about it, that is why they are asking questions.
You have to ANSWER the questions for us to be able to move forward and help you figure out what is going on with your car. It is a give-and-take situation.
Now the question on how many cars you have owned is a valid one. He's trying to see how much experience you have. If you don't have much experience, and we talk at you like you do - way above your level, we may loose you - as we think you know what we are talking about, but you really don't. We need to put into terms that a beginner can understand if you are a beginner. Some of us have been doing this for 30 years or more, and can really help guide you through the problem. Just be patient with us "grumpy old men" and we can help you.... We need to get to know you and what level you are at, so we can talk at a level that you will understand.
Now let's get to the point here.
What do you know about checking timing?
Do you know how to use a timing light? Do you own one? Is it a regular timing light or an advanced timing light with a dial?
Do you know what initial timing is?
Do you know what total timing is?
Have you checked the timing on your car to see where it is set at? Initial timing? Total timing?
So you know how to re-curve a distributor?
What year, model car are you working on?
What engine do you have?
What ignition and carb do you have?
Let's start by answering these questions and working from there? If you don't answer, then we won't be able to help you... We need you to try our suggestions and give us feedback on how they worked to help you dial it in.
Or you could just start replacing parts until you finally come across one that may help, but that's wasting money and may not be your problem at all....