Um, Roy - if the timing belt is broke - I don't think you would have spark.
If it is worn, and jumped some teeth; you might still get spark; and then the timing would be off... Might check ignition timing first... if that is not correct - then it is almost certain that it is your timing belt; and probably belt tensioner.
Also Compression. Have you been maintaining the car? If the injectors were a bit clogged, you could have possibly been running a bit lean. This heats up the valves more; and possibly you blew a couple of holes in the valves. This would prevent starting.
With no timing belt - it wouldn't start - because you wouldn't have spark. With 'starting fluid' & ignition at the proper time (timing); and compression - it is impossible for it not to fire up for a moment.
Feb 3, 2013 at 3:37 PM