Mitsubishi Repair: engine wont start, excess fuel, timing light

Question
I have a 1995 mits. eclipse non turbo. I had the valves done and changed all the gaskets but the car won't start. It backfires once or twice then stops. The crank turns and everything else works. I've already checked for a spark and its fine. what could be the problem

Answer
Rob,
Sounds like your timing may be off a bit.  If you have a timing light gun, check your timng yourself.  The #1 cylinder should be between 5-10 degrees BTDC when the #1 spark fires.  The backfiring usually indicates excess fuel build-up in the cylinders because the spark is not firing at the right time to  ignite the fuel at the right time.  Your timing belt may just be off a few notches.  

Have your timing checked, and you may even want a compression test performed to be sure you have adequate compression in your cylinders.
Good luck!