A problem that is starting to make me sad bare with me.

Firstly the EL was running rough (it has done about 340,000), missing at idle, dying in the a** at acceleration etc. so I did the research and have replaced the fuel filter, plugs and leads, and the intake manifold gasket. After I had replaced the plugs and leads and fuel filter it seemed to run really well for a few days before quickly going down hill again and running rough, eventually stopping completely and not wanting to restart (the last time I backed it up the drive it stalled twice).

It now seems to turn over but not fire, and its as if its out of time or something because its inconsistent in the way it turns over. I.e sometimes stops dead mid-fire, sometimes just splutters and one time even made a grinding sound.

ANY IDEAS would be much appreciated, this has become a real head stomper!!

possible stripped gear in distributor ?