I need help with a 1986 Plymouth Reliant SE?

I have a 1986 Plymouth Reliant SE. 2.2 non turbo engine. 4 cyc. We have changed the battery, plugs,wires and the fuel filter and the car will not start. All it will do is crank and not turn over. I was told to check the cataliatic converter but it does not have one or we cannot find one. My question is.. What should we check next?? The muffler has thick black suet coming from under the muffler and tail pipe.. Could it be the fuel pump going bad?? Any help would be greatly appreciated.. Thankx!!