need help! - j30 not starting

[fred]

I really need some help here! I have a 1995 j30 - 176,000 miles on it. I have put the last 76,000 on it. Has been a great car -- about 4 months ago the check engine light came on..... of course I continued to drive it! Now it will not crank.

let me describe to you want the car is doing. The motor will spin over and sometimes (after sitting for a few days) it will start for about 2 to 4 seconds and idle rough. after, I continue to try to start and start it -- it will stop cranking for the 2 to 4 second intervals. At that point it will only spin the motor over without starting.

I then installed new spark plugs - no changei then installed a new fuel filter - no changei then removed the fuel pump from the tank and checked and it is working properly.oh yes - I think the timing belt needs to be replaced - but because it is running for a very seconds.... could that be it? also, I used a can of starting fluid and was able to keep the car running about 13 - 17 seconds? Not sure what that means?could be the cpu is triggering the fule pump to shut off?

is there anyway I can pull the codes off the cars computer ... without buying special equipment? I have pulled codes from GM vehicles for years. I really need to fix this car without taking it to the repair shop - i just lost my job and need to save money, so if anyone has some suggestions I would greatly appreciate them! thanks Fred shepherd - cell # 256-658-9149