_93civchatch_

ok i have just picked up a 94 grand am 4cy auto... the car only has 78k on it, but it doesnt run... first of all it has a bad fuel leak, and no brakes, but we tried starting it with some starter fluid through the intake, it turns over but just wont start... it also started to run backwards, like in reverse, air came out of the intake... the fan belt on the car was broke off. someone said might be a timing belt. anyone know anything or think of anything? thanks alot!

J-Ri

I'd fix the fuel leak before you go any further.

If it still won't start, check for spark.

It's not a timing belt problem, these engines have timing chains. 78k is way too soon for a timing chain to fail.

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'04 Cavalier coupe M/T 2.2 Ecotec
Supercharged 14 PSI boost, charge air cooler, 42# injectors
Tuned with HP Tuners
http://www.boycottpepsico.com/default.aspx

So I go to this get-together at a friends house, not remembering it's a few days before Halloween. I see a bunch of dirty looking strangers. Then I see a guy that was clearly wearing a Halloween costume and I make the connection, and say "Oh yeah, Halloween... y'all goin' as a group of bums?". Turns out they weren't wearing costumes.

skibum1111

If it did in fact run backwards you probably have some internal damage. These motors are built to a very tight clearance. If you turn the crank backwards the valves usually hit the pistons. Sounds more to me like a backfire situation. In addition to checking for spark, check the coil cover for signs of arcing, the cover might be cracked.

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Rusting out Honda Civic $900

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Assorted stickers advertising products you'll never own: $50

Having your @ss handed to you by a brick shaped suv: Priceless.

Yup, I own the suv.