Scirocco Register

Been having an issue with the scala i that I was putting down to fuel, not starting and then when eventually did running fine intially but over last while running like a pig. The other night it was backfiring when got it started and on checking the rotor arm it was very manky. I swapped in an old one the next day and it started first time, ran like a dream. Left it a while and started again a few times without fuss and ran well, even at 8am in freezing cold the next day. Went down to GSF got a new cap and rotor fitted and it wouldn't start again (actually started backfiring a bit while it was turning over). I threw the cap and arm back in again and still won't start, seems to be same issue as before again.
Does this sound like could be a distributor issue, or could it be a coincidence and is fuel problem???

I'm at my wits end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jim, how old are your HT leads. They could be Arcing and causing the backfire. Check your fuel neck for holes to make sure no dirt is getting into the fuel.

must remember to always have decent light when doing anything went out tonight to have a nosey and the cap wasn't clipped in properly, sorted that and fired up everytime since, threw in some fuel and went for a run up and down carraigeway, going great!!! Fingers crossed that's it sorted been really missing driving it!