Just installed a brand new distributor and it is making a rattle noise. My timing is off and the belt needs to be adjusted. Could this be the reason for the noise?

 

Check whether the rotor screw is tight.

 

All screws are tight. So I noticed that the noise only happens at cold start up. Once I have driven around, the noise goes away. Thoughts?

 

Another thing could be this. I recently replaced my distributor. I noticed the old one was missing a tooth off the end that goes into the head. I looked inside and did not find anything. Could this have caused it? I really doubt it because after driving for less than 30 seconds, the noise goes away.

 

You say "all screws are tight", but do you actually know where all of the screws are? The rotor screw is under the distributor cap, holding the rotor onto the shaft. When was the last time you did a valve lash adjustment?

 

Ah, alright I need to check that screw. I have never done a valve lash adjustment and I do not believe the last owner did one. I have owned the car for less than 2 years. I am a registered nursing student so car stuff takes me awhile to learn. My teacher is youtube. Could I do the adjustment myself? What tools would I need?

 

it sounds like the rattling comes from the cap itself. Goes quiet after I drive for abit.

 

Yes, you can do the adjustment yourself. There's a how-to in my build thread, you'll just need to find the specs for your specific engine.