Freelander Petrol...Won't start. Spluttering.

Hi,
I bought this Freelander and had nothing but problems.

It was making a squeaking noise which I thought was the thrust bearing.
I tried driving it home but it went within 10 mins of driving down the road.
It would not come out of gear unless the engine was turned off.

I've saved up for the kit and was going to change the clutch myself.

However, now the damn thing won't start.

It's turning over, but backfiring and spluttering.

I'm wondering if I did something to it.
The thing is. I couldn't move it from the side of the road on my own. I couldn't put it in gear when it was running. So, stupidly, I put it in gear and turned it over so it bumped me down the street.
Maybe I've knocked the timing out or something by doing this stupid manouvere?

i would look at the TDC sensor first most make of cars they just need to be removed and cleaned
another member may know what reading it should have on a multi meter
Ron

How old is it? Starting it the way you did shouldn't have done any damage.

Nodge68 said:

How old is it? Starting it the way you did shouldn't have done any damage.

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It's on a T Plate.
It was working fine before. It's been sitting on the drive for around 3 months. Now this

bugsb said:

i would look at the TDC sensor first most make of cars they just need to be removed and cleaned
another member may know what reading it should have on a multi meter
Ron

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Where's that mate?

jackrmee said:

Where's that mate?

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have a look at the link inlet manifold side
Google Image Result for http://www.mgf-tf-central.co.uk/cjj-pics/39002.jpg
Ron

As it's a distributor engine I would think you should be looking there first. The rotor arms are known to fail, this the causes the cap to track. If it's been unused for a while the cap could be damp?