I have a 1995 Subaru legacy. While overtaking another vehicle, there was a loud noise, possibly a backfire and the engine died. I coasted to the side and had the car towed to a garage. I suspected a timing belt issue, so disassemble and realigned the belt and cams (dual over cams), but the engine still won't fire. It cranks, and occasionally backfires, but wont start. Any suggestions would be great.

Have not checked for any of these, as I got the belt back on last night and still wouldn't start, so left it for this morning. I'm not too good at diagnosing problems, so not too sure where to start. As stated in original post, I was passing a semi, the engine kicked the transmission down and then I believe I heard a backfire...could be mistaken....and engine died mid-pass and won't start. After checking timing belt (everything looks good, belt still in good shape) it seems as if it wants to start, turns over but won't fire. I've never checked for spark on a vehicle before, only a motorcycle as a kid. any tips on checking for the 3 items you recommended? Have not checked for any of these, as I got the belt back on last night and still wouldn't start, so left it for this morning. I'm not too good at diagnosing problems, so not too sure where to start. As stated in original post, I was passing a semi, the engine kicked the transmission down and then I believe I heard a backfire...could be mistaken....and engine died mid-pass and won't start. After checking timing belt (everything looks good, belt still in good shape) it seems as if it wants to start, turns over but won't fire. I've never checked for spark on a vehicle before, only a motorcycle as a kid. any tips on checking for the 3 items you recommended?

Pull off a plug wire, insert a spark tester, should see spark jump at least half an inch. Fuel pressure is a little mor tricky, you will need a rather eloborate fuel pressure gauge. If you have spark shoot a couple of shots of carb spray into the throttle body and try to start. If it starts you have a fuel issue. Pull off a plug wire, insert a spark tester, should see spark jump at least half an inch. Fuel pressure is a little mor tricky, you will need a rather eloborate fuel pressure gauge. If you have spark shoot a couple of shots of carb spray into the throttle body and try to start. If it starts you have a fuel issue.