98 Contour Won't Start, Need Help Please

I went and looked at my brothers girlfriends car today. It has an engine similar to an ecotec. The plugs go straight down through the engine. It had been running rough lately and the other day it died and won't start. It turns over but doesn't sound at all like it's trying to start. I checked and it's getting spark. The fuel pump also sounds like it's pumping up when you turn the key. I don't think this is the cause of it not running but the plugs on cyl. 1 and 2 were covered in oil. I cleaned them and put them back in and still nothing. The only other thing I noticed was that it seemed to turn over slow but the battery was fine. Is that normal? Any help would be greatly appreciated. He knows nothing about cars and he really can't afford a garage.

thanks,

Chris

Can you spray some starting fluid in a hose after the air control valve close to the top of the engine. If it starts it has a fuel problem. Check the vacuum hose to the pressure regulator. Buy a test gage and tell us the fuel pressure.

My first instinct was the timing chain. Is there a way to tell if it's slipped. Also can anyone tell me where the pressure relief valve for the fuel pump is? If the pump is good I should be able to tell there right?

My first instinct was the timing chain. Is there a way to tell if it's slipped. Also can anyone tell me where the pressure relief valve for the fuel pump is? If the pump is good I should be able to tell there right?

The zetec engines have timing belts. The duratec V6 have chains which do not slip. I too agree it could be the timing belt. The schraeder valve should be located on the fuel rail, at least thats where it is on the V6.

Would it make a loud noise when the timing belt comes off? When the belt came off my 300ZX it was really loud, like I suddenly blew a tire. Is that zetec an interference engine?

Would it make a loud noise when the timing belt comes off? When the belt came off my 300ZX it was really loud, like I suddenly blew a tire. Is that zetec an interference engine?

The zetec is a non interference motor.

Can you see the valve train with the oil cap removed? If it isn't moving while being cranked, like beyondloadedSE said it could be a broken timing belt.