Timing Belt question

[NaiChemsya]

I am looking at buying a Lumina Z34 that turns over but won't fire. I pulled a wire and checked for spark. It looked really weak, but did have spark. But I am still concerned that it might be a timing belt issue. Is there a way to figure out if it is the timing without actually going into that side of the engine? My last Z34 was put to rest because the timing belt tensioner broke completly off. And it did the same thing, turned but wouldn't fire. That is why I am concerned that this might be a timing issue as well.

[Schurkey]

Compression test. If the cams are out-of-time, the compression test results will be low.

 

That and a visual inspection of the belt at the upper front cover.

[jman093]

Compression test. If the cams are out-of-time, the compression test results will be low.

 

That and a visual inspection of the belt at the upper front cover.

 

On some cylinders. Most will have stopped with the valves closed and will compression test fine. So just pull that cover and look at the belt. Takes 2 minutes.

[NaiChemsya]

Thanks. I geuss if I had been the one to work on my last car I would know that. LOL Was working 2 jobs, 7 days a week at the time. One was at a gas station so I just got that mechanic to look at it.