Help!

Hello
I have a 1987 Ford Escort (4d, manual, 1.9L). My dad thinks is has over 200,000 miles on it (i'm not sure definetly). We bought it from a guy near our home town and so we don't know its entire history, but he did say that he did some work on it, but wan't very specific. There aren't any bad smells or weird noises, but here is my problem: It won't start. It isn't the batery because it is trying to start but can't stay on. It kinda does like a cough almost then it dies. My dad just gave it a tune up and just replaced the battery, and he thinks it is the timming belt (or chain?), But he doesn't know what the settings are. So, do you happen to know what the settings are? Thanks so much
sincerely,
Kate Harris