this is very strange

 

Some brake cleaner is not flammable... you should use gasoline (a small amount) for that test. Starting fluid is also intended for that purpose, but it is remotely possible to damage the engine. Note that if the problem is one of flooding, pouring in more fuel of any sort will not make it fire. Take out a spark plug and see if it is wet with gas, that would usually mean it is flooding.

Check the injector drive too.

I don't remember if the 2001 has a MAP or MAF system. It it's MAF it could be the sensor or if there is any way for air to leak in undetected by the sensor it may not start.

 

this 02 has a map sensor

 

ok, so i went back and inspected the timing marks.. according to the manuel, tdc on the cam in when the "up" is up and the two dash marks on the cam gear and even with the top of the head. and the mark on the crank pulley for the belt is lined up with the mark on the block. this is how it sits.. right dead on the money. i know the cam in at tdc on the #1 cause i can move both the intake and exhaust rockers just a little bit.

in the process of taking everything apart, i found the upper bolt for the alternator stripped.. need to replace that and the bracket. will be doing that, and then reassembling everything. then will try it again..

 

Which mark on the crank pulley is aligned with the pointer on the block?

 

Set the crankshaft to TDC. Align the TDC mark (A) on the timing belt drive pulley with the pointer (B) on the oil pump