1998 Mazda MPV engine failure

1998 MAZDA MPV
145,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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PSUB
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engine died and won't restart. Acted like it ran out of fuel. Added fuel to the tank. replaced the fuel filter. Burned up the starter trying to start it. Replaced the starter. It acts like it wants to start. it even hits and fire a few times but won't start. checked the spark plug arc. it is orange rather than the blue arc I expected. Please help.

also replaced spark plugs and tried to change timing.
Dec 26, 2007 at 11:56 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
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Fuel pressure? Need to install a manual gauge to verify it has enough to run the van
Dec 28, 2007 at 8:10 AM
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PSUB
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I think the fuel is ok. i can smell strong gas sell from the tail pipe and plugs are wet when I pull them to check. I also had the local repair shop check the computer for engine codes. the only problem he saw was the air intake temp sensor showed -11 degrees while outside temp was 34 degrees. he said he didn't think that would keep the engine from starting. No other problems were detected by his rather sophisticated diagnostic equipment. we couldn't check the codes detected from the last run cycle because when I replaced the starter I disconnected the battery and all information was erased.
Dec 28, 2007 at 11:44 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
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If you can smell fuel, unplug the pump or all the injectors and do a compression test to see if it has enough to run
Dec 29, 2007 at 6:55 AM
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PSUB
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Thank you for your help. I finally ended turning it over to my car repair shop. They found a bad crankshaft sensor and timing belt coming apart. $400.00 and a day and half in the shop and we're moving again. I really wanted to save the money and fix it myself. Your help was great. Thanks!
Dec 30, 2007 at 10:25 PM
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2CARPRO JACK
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Have Happy New Year
Dec 31, 2007 at 8:41 AM
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