You need to use a gage and check fuel pressure. I've seen pumps make some pressure but not enough. Some of the national brand autostores used to loan out a fuel pressure gage.

Also, with engine cranking, visually check for spark at the spark plugs. You can use a known good spark plug or spark tester, don't pull plug from engine. A spark tester doesn't cost much. Pull a spark plug wire from plug. Stick tester in plug boot. Ground metal part of tester to metal part of engine, engine cranking, watch for spark.

Answered by JDL (expert)
14,417 answers provided

I checked the spark, seems like it is okay. put a wire into the plug wire and held it next to the frame (OLD SCHOOL METHOD). Spark seems adequate. So i guess I am looking at a clog in the fuel line? I am trying to locate a fuel gauge.If that tests good what would be the next step?

Response from kingster1999
4 questions asked

You can use a noid lite and check for injector pulse.

Answered by JDL (expert)
14,417 answers provided

is there an easy way to see if fuel is actually getting up to the fuel rails? I live in and apt and working on cars is frowned upon.

Response from kingster1999
4 questions asked

If you live in an area where you can't work on your car, that makes it tough. With key on, no crank, can you hear the pump run? Use a fuel pressure gage, the only way I know, to make sure fuel pressure is correct?

Answered by JDL (expert)
14,417 answers provided

Thanks for your help on this. I got to the point I could not go any farther and took it to a shop. They told me the cylinders all read various amounts of pressure from 100 down to zero. Told me it needs a new engine. Then mentioned he could do the test to put oil in the cylinders and see if it changes the readings. How can he say if its a blown engine without doing that test? Car just past smog three days prior. does that sound like a blown engine to you that fast or maybe more of a head gasket. The head gasket was changed a year ago.
I feel like they are trying to rip me off here.

Response from kingster1999
4 questions asked

Over the internet, It's hard for me to tell anything. Using a little oil in the cylinders can help rings to seal,momentarily. If the compression readings comes up, should mean bad rings. Does it use oil?

Answered by JDL (expert)
14,417 answers provided

There is a small oil pan leak thats all. I just don't see how they could say the engines blown if they didn't add some oil to the rings and recheck the compression. Leak test I think they called it.Sounds to me like they just wanted to replace the engine. They said they had a used one with 88000 miles and would change it out for 1850.00 out the door. Sounds really high for a motor with close to a 100000 miles.

Response from kingster1999
4 questions asked

Most of that price is probably labor. Check some of your local salvage yards, see what they ask for on engine price?

Answered by JDL (expert)
14,417 answers provided