"88 Accord LX engine skips and Battery light is on.

[JDAccord88]

Ok so my 88 accord lx (Carburetor) has had some problems like it will start then just die shortly after starting. I have changed the Dist. Cap, Rotor ignition button, spark plugs, valve cover gasket (leaking oil). I tried to start it today and when it started it sounds as if its jumping or skipping.. Im think the timing belt it messed up, but not sure. And my battery light keeps coming on, which i think means i need a new battery or alternator.The car only has 174,xxx miles but runs as if it has twice that much. Any feed back would be awesome. Thank you. -Josh

[Dr_Snooz]

I would think it's the carb getting tired.

[3gmodifier]

Check the timing first if you can get it to run for a bit. The battery light will come on if the current voltage is less than spec and or if the alternator is bad. Do you have a good battery? if yes then start the engine and measure the voltage at the battery with a mutimeter. You should have around 14.2 +/- a few tenths of volts dc. if not, the alternator is bad. Hope this helps.