Hard start is now No start.

[dahodges]

Two weeks ago when it started getting cooler in the morning, Car started getting hard to start in the morning (six or seven rotations verses three). It would start fine the rest of the day. After it started, it ran fine and has allways run good. Replaced cap rotor wires and air filter. Regapped plugs.

Started like normal for a day or two. Since then started getting harder and harder to start in the morning and during the day. Weather it was cold or not outside.

Last night after taking forever to start, I reved it to 4k. Heard a pop. Then it died. Girlfriend said a puff of white smoke came out of the tail pipe.

Things I checked this morning.

Have spark at two plugs.
Number one cyl. has at least 150 psi compression.
Have gas at input to FI.
Has not started on quick start.
Of course rotor is turning and car has plenty of gas.

History of car.

89 FI auto 140k miles

Car sat up for 5 years. I bought it 6 months ago. Replaced fuel pump with a used one. put 8k miles on it to date with no problems.

Ok guys any ideals on what to check? I don't trust any shops around here. So I'm on my own here.

Thanks David

[25Horseplay]

Check the module in the dist. Some auto part stores can check these. (napa does)

[dahodges]

thanks

[jglutz]

Hmmmmm.....Keep an eye on the engine coolant level.
Here's why: If the head is warped form nomal thermal cycling or a recent over heat....coolant will seep into the cylinders at nignt making starting difficult and the compression could be slightly less. Marke the coolant overflow jug...it should be at the same level every morning.

As the season change and the engine gets cold at night....the above secnario gets worse and worse.

Previous to the car not starting.....did the engine start/idle with alot of whit smoke from the exhaust?

[GenevaDirt]

Have spark at two plugs.
Number one cyl. has at least 150 psi compression.

You only checked for spark at 2 plugs or you checked all and only 2 have spark?
Also same question on compression....did you only check one cylinder?

Maybe the coil is failing?

[dahodges]

Only checked compression on one cyl. to make sure I had compression.

Only checked spark on two cyl. assume to have spark on all four.

Will change out dist module since I have a spare.

I'm sure the head is warped/Gasket is bad. I used sealant as a temp. until I can go thru the engine.

Any other suggestions?

David

[Pu241]

I've had same issue.
Does the car set outside?
When its cool or raining, its hard or impossible to start!
Replace your plug wires.
At worst you now have a know good set of plug wires if you don't know the last time they were replaced.
Get lifetime replace ones from Autozone and replace every 2 yrs for free!

[Ogrestiva]

also there could be a vapor leak into your distributor or coil, this could cause that to happen in the rain/moist/cold conditions...some people put a silicone seal around their dist/coil covers to prevent moisture from getting in.

[hawkdoc60]

Only checked compression on one cyl. to make sure I had compression.

Only checked spark on two cyl. assume to have spark on all four.

Will change out dist module since I have a spare.

I'm sure the head is warped/Gasket is bad. I used sealant as a temp. until I can go thru the engine.

Any other suggestions?

David

The #3 cylinder is notorious for being the first cylinder to have compression problems for some reason. I would check all four before you change the head/gasket. Then check all four again afterward.