Here's the story so far. When I tried starting it, it would attempt to start, but only run for about a second. So I fiddled with the distributer wiring, and managed to get it to start and run for about 3-4 seconds. Then it started making a funky grinding sound (from distributor). So I stopped cranking it and returned the distro wiring back the way it was. After that, no start at all. So I replaced the icm, cap, and rotor, and confirmed the proper wiring for the distro.
But it still won't start, just cranks. I figured it'd be really flooded by now with all the cranking, so I pulled the plugs to check them and confirm spark. I have spark, but the plugs (brand new) are coated solid black. I thought they'd look wet from the fuel, but no.
What does it sound like I need to check next? Fuel was good not even a week ago, so I can't see something going wrong there all the sudden. The spark also seems a little weak. Could the coil be bad too (I checked the wires and there all reading within tolerances per helms)?
If I need to try replacing the coil, which coil can I use (factory)?

 

do the plugs smell like gasoline?

 

start by replacing the plugs for new ones i would say...

soemtimes this is all it is after theuy have been flooded badly!!!

what was making the grinding noise in the dizzy? what did you damage?

which wires did you switch around?

 

I used a dmm to find which pairs of wires led to the sensors, and which was 12v to the icm/coil. So I switched the sensors (NOT the 12v or ecu return) untill I got the right combination. I was told to try this from a pretty reputable source who's done the same swap (besides, all the sensors are the exact same thing. they'd just be sending the ecu an incorrect signal if wired wrong). The distro made a grinding sound (I'm pretty sure it was the distro. I don't know what else it could've been) and each time it did it seemed like the starter didn't want to turn the engine over anymore (on that particular crank. if I tried again it would crank fine untill it made that noise again). So i stopped immediately.
I pulled apart the dizzy and couldn't see anything wrong inside, so I have no clue.
I guess I'll go ahead and replace plugs and wires. hopefully that'll do the trick