I turn my car over it starts but runs rough then cuts off.....timing issue? does anyone have an idea....changed the alternator belt and had to turn the crank pulley alittle both ways to get the belt on. Could turning the crank pulley the opposite way the engine runs mess up the timing? Could a loose alternator belt cause the engine to run rough?

 

If you turned your engine clock-wise then yes, you could have caused the timing to skip a tooth if your belt had enough slack in it.

 

Have a look at the alternator pulley while the engine is running to see if it is turning well or squeaking at all. If it's turning rapidly, the belt shouldn't be the problem. You didn't have this problem before changing the belt? There are belt tension gauges but not many people use them. Yes, turning the crank backwards can cause the timing belt to jump a tooth if the tensioner is loose. You should take off the covers and check out the belt.