1992 Saturn SL2 My car won't stay running

[quote:9bb9711d2f="nikki71671"]Engine Performance problem
1992 Saturn SL2 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 100000 miles

Engine Mechanical problem
1992 Other Saturn Models 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 000000 miles

Hi. I am needing answers about my Saturn. For some time, it would run fine and, eventually, it started dying on me sometimes when I would stop at a light or wherever. Then, it would just start sputtering. Often it would run fine when it hadn't been started for a short period of time. Then, it got harder and harder to get going. Once I would get it going for a period of time it ran ok. But then, it was hard to keep it going and then start again. The battery never seemed to be weak unless I had tried for an extended period to start it. Now, it will not start at all. For a while, it seemed that gas line antifreeze would work once it got into the system. Now, nothing seems to get it going. We contemplated the idea that maybe, for some reason, the gas gauge was incorrect. Now, since it isn't starting at all, we aren't entertaining that idea anymore. I have wondered, since it seems to sometimes backfire when trying to keep it running and it doesn't seem to be getting the correct rhythm to stay running, if there may be a timing or spark plug issue. I am wondering if it is firing correctly. Maybe the spark plugs need changed or regauged. The problem is that I am just a woman and the men who are looking at it are just not giving any credence to my suspicions. Could I be right in your professional opinion? I do know some things about cars and am frustrated that no one will llisten to me. I also have really good instincts usually. Because of what it is doing and the way that it sounds, I am convinced that these things should, at least, be checked. We also found a vacuum line that didn't seem to have any place to go. We are not sure why or if this is part of the problem. What do you think?[/quote:9bb9711d2f]
so does it start now?do u ever have to hold ur gas pedal to the floor to start it?do u have any codes?when u say it wont go is it missifiring lack of power?

Yes, it does seem to backfire sometimes when it does this. Otherwise it just turns over without catching. The backfiring seems to happen once I get it started again. At first, we thought that maybe the gas gauge was just wrong and that it was running out of gas. However, we have put gas in it and, this time, it won't start at all.

[quote:6bc3f6811a="nikki71671"]Yes, it does seem to backfire sometimes when it does this. Otherwise it just turns over without catching. The backfiring seems to happen once I get it started again. At first, we thought that maybe the gas gauge was just wrong and that it was running out of gas. However, we have put gas in it and, this time, it won't start at all.[/quote:6bc3f6811a]
let's start with checking for spark pull off two spark plug wires that are right next to each other on the coils have someone crank it over while u watch for spark it should jump from one tower to the other.it's pretty common for the fuel pump to fail in the 92 as well I have replaced alot of 92 fuel pumps.does ur auto parts store rent tools like fuel pressure gauges?another thing that causes all kinds of problems starting cutting idle etc is the coolant temp sensor.its screwed into the head below where the upper hose it's the second sensor down with two wires going to it.they crack and leak into the connector corroding it if it's corroded u will have to replace it or clean it.u can unscrew it and see if it's cracked there under 20 if u replace it make sure u get a brass tipped one the plastic one crack.let me know what u find.

Thank you for your help, Louie. I will have that checked as soon as possible and let you know. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Nikki