ok i have just picked up a 94 grand am 4cy auto... the car only has 78k on it, but it doesnt run... first of all it has a bad fuel leak, and no brakes, but we tried starting it with some starter fluid through the intake, it turns over but just wont start... it also started to run backwards, like in reverse, air came out of the intake... the fan belt on the car was broke off. someone said might be a timing belt. anyone know anything or think of anything? thanks alot!

I'd fix the fuel leak before you go any further.

If it still won't start, check for spark.

It's not a timing belt problem, these engines have timing chains. 78k is way too soon for a timing chain to fail.

If it did in fact run backwards you probably have some internal damage. These motors are built to a very tight clearance. If you turn the crank backwards the valves usually hit the pistons. Sounds more to me like a backfire situation. In addition to checking for spark, check the coil cover for signs of arcing, the cover might be cracked.