No, I use Schmetz needles in my machines, but my Singer serger requires its own Singer needles. I have to keep them separate.
And Lneal, I have learned that a serger can be out of time. It sure doesn't sound like you have done anything to get yours out of time, tho. I think it takes really rough handling to do that. I agree with the others you should take all the thread off the machine and start with one at a time following the instructions. Oh yes, I think that someone last year suggested taking a rough piece of paper (like a dollar bill) and running it through each tension disc. Hope you get it running soon.