91 escort will not start

[73Rx2]

was driving and all was nice, just replaced thermostat gasket, shifted into 2nd and it died. i couldnt get it started after that. I checked all the fuses, which seem to be in good condition, im getting spark and im getting fuel im pretty sure. I had a couple people who consider themselves mechanics helping me out and they both think that it jumped time. is that possible? i wasnt rodding on it at all, i just bought the car today, the last thing i wanted to do was break it doing somehting stupid...Is there a cheap way to check and see what the problem is, or a relay to replace?

[Davescort97]

Originally Posted by 73Rx2

was driving and all was nice, just replaced thermostat gasket, shifted into 2nd and it died. i couldnt get it started after that. I checked all the fuses, which seem to be in good condition, im getting spark and im getting fuel im pretty sure. I had a couple people who consider themselves mechanics helping me out and they both think that it jumped time. is that possible? i wasnt rodding on it at all, i just bought the car today, the last thing i wanted to do was break it doing somehting stupid...Is there a cheap way to check and see what the problem is, or a relay to replace?

The timing belt probably broke. You can check it by looking inside the oil filler cap with a light. If it's broke you won't see the valve train moving when it is turning over.

[jeffescortlx]

Timing belt could of just jumped a couple of teeth, I've seen that happen before. It need's a new belt.

[73Rx2]

Well spent the last couple days changing the timing belt and the water pump, had to take it apart twice cuz i broke the gasket the first time argh...anyways, its all good now, but when i was goin bout 60 down the freeway and was almost coasting when it started chugging, i gave it some gas and it just chugged worse, so i put it into 4th and it was all good but it did this a few times. does this just mean i need to adjust the timing belt?

[Davescort97]

Some times it takes the engine computer a few miles to re-program itself after work has been done. This is all normal and I don't think you have a problem if it only did it once or twice.

[jeffescortlx]

The timing belt shoudl need any "adjusting". As long as it's set at the marks your good to go. If the timing belt was off a tooth it would run poorly all the time. If the problem continues, sounds like you need a new O2 sensor.