Today I replaced the valve cover gasket and the o-ring between the distributor and the head on my '94 Sidekick 8v.  Now she won't start.  It just cranks, but no start.  Any ideas?  I may have messed up the timing when I pulled the dizzy, but I woud think it would still start, but maybe run like crap.  I also replaced the cap, rotor, and wires, but still no start.  Is there a fuel pump relay/restart that may have tripped?  If I just let it crank and hold the pedal to the floor it backfires a little.

HELP!

WES

If you didn't get the distributor back on exactly the same tooth, then it won't start (it may run one tooth off in either direction...but it would run like crap).  Each tooth is something like 20 degrees of timing...

I would do the following:

Turn the engine over by hand until it is at TDC (line up the timing mark on the crank pulley and the timing belt cover) on #1 cylinder on the compression stroke (you'll need to pull the spark plug on #1 cylinder; when you feel air rushing out of the spark plug hole, then the piston is on the compression stroke).  When you have it at TDC, pull the distributor cap off and check to see that the rotor is just barely past the contact for the #1 cylinder.  If it isn't, remove the distributor and line it up so that it is.  This should get it close enough to start, then you can adjust the timing with a timing light...

Thanks for the reply.  I figured it was the timing;  I just didn't realize that it being off a tooth or two would be that much difference in timing to not start at all.  I'll try doing what you suggested when I get some time.  Unfortunately, it'll have to wait until sat/sun.

Thanks again,
WES

I t does not take much on timing to cause trouble.I agree,and would do the time it thing and be ok.