Ok guys thanks for your posts and please continue because the problem just got worse....! We checked the fuel pump and it wasnt kicking on or anything. We replaced the fuel pump and fuel filter and the car fired right up with no problems... But now the engine has a pretty harsh KNOCKING sound on the top end, I was told this may have been from spraying starting fluid into the air breather when I checked to see if it was getting gas? I was told afterwards that we shouldnt have used starting fluid on a fuel injected car? So now the car starts but like I said it has a pretty bad knocking sound. We are going to change the oil and spark plugs this afternooon but I doubt that is going to help... If anyone has an expierence with such problem let me know? This 02 cavalier does have the 2.2 ecotec engine. My buddy believes it could be jumped a tooth on the timing chain/belt or maybe blew a valve? Please let me know if any of you have any idea whats going on and how much I could be looking at spending for this fix?
thanks
keith
I will post later on a let you all know whats up...

Running a compression test will tell you if theres a bent valve somewhere.

How does the car idle? If it idles normal then Id bet the timing is not off, Im no expert on timing, but i know if the timing is off, you''ll be able to tell.

What were you doing to/with the car before you had the fuel pump problem? Was there a knocking/ticking then?