Intermittent starting issue

Thank you for the reply.
Sounds like the engine maybe physically out of time then, as opposed to the spark being off. Strange though it starts and runs fine other times it does not. But I agree if I want to keep the engine running it needs a timing belt. Logical course would be a compression check see if there is a wet cylinder then crank to cam timing? Would this year have a cam sensor unit and could that have an effect?

Plug seem fairly even except for excessive gap and apparent misfire from carbon on couple no signs of hydraulicing from fuel oil or coolant.
I am guessing the timing chain must be flopping around cross my fingers that this is in fact a non interference engine. I used to be better at engine diagnostic before they hook up computers maybe I should plug electrode into my head. :)

Okay I will run the compression check once again, thank you.
Of course Ia m hoping that it is a loose flopping around timing chain and not a blown head gasket. :( Have my fingers crossed that this is in fact a non interference engine. :)

149 149 148 150 150 147 147 148
Timing chain?
PS. Thank you for getting me to run that test I feel a lot better about fixing this old Caddy.

Well thank you Roy.
Pull the distributor that looks about as easy as getting Hillary to tell the truth.
I have decided to change the timing change which appeared to be extremely loose.

Yes I did inspect the gear seems to be fine there's a little up and down travel on the shaft the distributor cap was toast and the coil has a pretty decent crack in it with carbon tax thinking this might be the source not something I would have thought of though also I'm replacing the timing chain and cannot be done without replacing the pan gasket by reusing the one with carefully with sealer? Thank you Roy

Well thanks Roy for pushing me a along here somehow it seems harder working on your own vehicle than it is somebody else's their money duh!

If you don't mind no hurry my Porsche 82 928 owned and maintain maintain almost 20 years. I hadinjectors rbuilt filter new exhaust system ( timing belt 6k ago and retenioned 1.5k ago water pump )first time out after overhaul got fresh fuel as the tank was close to empty? Ran great on a bout 2 Mile Drive when I tried start the car the next day barely started and ran terrible backfire and missing and smoke out the exhaust and raw fuel let's say not running well enough to move the car I was so pissed I put it back in the garage and it's been there for a year any thoughts off the top of your head could water in the gas do all that I don't think it dumped a timing belt it's critikal eng im sure but I haven't checked. There is no aftermarket shop manual on a 928 and the Factory shop manual I think it's $1,000 from Germany fuel injected overhead cam aluminum V8 located somewhere down underneath the hood no hurry on that but something comes to mind that be great.
Thanks again
Dave