Distributor problem please help!

[Dave123]

Hi,

Just bought my wife a 1994 mk3 polo 1043cc. After replacing the clutch, cv boots, and the front wheel bearings the car wouldnt start. Finaly worked out that it was down to the distributor. If I have the timing out the car will run for a few seconds then die, with it at the correct timing the car wont start atall. Im sure the distributor is nackard but realy havent got a clue how to sort it out and how it got like it?

would be very greatful if someone could put me in the right direction.
Cheers lads
Dave.