check the fuses (underdash and underhood). however, having the fuel pump pressure would help me to eliminate on possibility. If it starts then it must have a spark (only needs fuel, spark [at the right time] and compression to run). If fuel pressure and spark are present, I would then suspect timing belt problems--but this is harder to diagnose than simply checking the fuel pressure, that's why i suggested it first). If you are sure that the fuel pressure is OK then this is the next step:
Finding TDC
To find TDC of the number one cylinder, remove the spark plug from the number one cylinder. Stuff a paper towel or rag into the spark plug hole (don’t push it all the way into the engine, but make sure that it covers the spark plug hole entirely and is tightly stuffed in. Now, turn the starter for only about ½ second intervals (this is called “bumping the starter”) until the rag/paper towel flies out of the spark plug hole. Stop turning the starter and check for the location of the timing indicator on the crankshaft pulley (harmonic balancer). Using a breaker bar and socket turn the engine by hand by putting the socket on the center crankshaft pulley bolt. Turn the engine until the timing make is aligned with the “0” or TDC mark on the timing cover. Now find the terminal on the distributor cap where the number one spark plug wires plugs onto. Remember this position; DO NOT remove this spark plug wire. Remove the distributor cap: the rotor should be pointing at the position where the number one spark plug wire fits onto the cap. If not, the timing is off indicating a broken/jumped timing chain/belt. (However, in some cases someone has really turned the distributor cap too far in one direction or the other---not a possibility if no one has been working with the distributor)
Mar 2, 2013 at 10:07 PM
