took ht leads off need firing order tried several ways car starting then dying. also have another favorit which has had the head skimmed but keeps refusing to start every few weeks. had new coil and distributor since.

1 - 3 - 4 - 2 (cylinders numbered one from the left, crankshaft end). Number 1 on the cap is top right if I remember correctly. Also ensure the rotor arm and distributor cap are fitted correctly and that the carbon brush inside the cap is there and likely to be contacting the rotor arm, also check for any signs of dirt, dampness or cracks inside the cap.

On the other favorit I wonder what caused the head to crack and if that problem has been sorted yet? Could be worth changing the coolant and giving the radiator a good flush through with a hose, maybe using some sort of flushing stuff? (keep the heat switch inside the car on full to flush the heater matrix too).