Died after parking it

[gaoze36]

Here is a list of parts I checked or changed:

• all fuses are checked and connected(reseated and wiggled just in case).
• CPS 510 ohms
• DME swapped with a good and working one
• Fuel pump new
• Getting sparks on all plugs
• fuel pump is pumping when cranked
• new relays
• DME has power with a check engine light
• no intake leaks

What might cause a problem

• old spark plugs (but I don't think it would be running, then just die like that)
• old injectors
• I saw some sludge in the fuel tank when I replaced my pump (I bought the car, and the last owner said it had sat for 3 years or so)
• clogged fuel filter (not a hard fix, but I don't think it would make my car run then all of a sudden not run after parking it)

My car is a 1989 with one fuel pump.

What happened was I fixed it up and got it started, but it had a vacuum leak, so it wouldn't idle nicely. I drove it to the gas station to get some new 93. It sat overnight on my driveway and started perfectly in the morning(still didn't idle right), so I drove it to school. Parked it after classes ended, I cranked it, and it would just keep cranking and cranking without sputtering (no explosions in the cylinders). Yesterday, I fixed the vacuum leak and figured it would fix the problem, but no. I rechecked everything listed above. I'm lost on this one.

Any help would be appreciated.

[roguetoaster]

Are the plugs wet after cranking? If so, probable spark issue.

Not sure when you changed the pump. but you didn't reverse the fuel lines at the pump or elsewhere?

You swapped which relays?

[gaoze36]

I will check if my plugs are wet later when I'm home tonight.

I didn't reverse the fuel lines; if I did, the car wouldn't have started two days ago.

I got two new relays, the fuel pump relay(middle one) and the main relay(white one left of the fuel pump relay).

[gaoze36]

I have made some “progress”
I got a new fuel filter and put all new spark plug in it, and the car ”fired” once with starting fluid.
The spark plugs are firing and they are wet with the smell of gasoline.
I have no idea what’s left that would prevent it from starting.
I am truly lost on this one.

[decay]

if your spark plugs are still wet, you don't have good ignition. if they all look that way, do the coil next. nothing wrong with factory Bosch, but i am also a fan of MSD.

[jbontke]

if your spark plugs are still wet, you don't have good ignition. if they all look that way, do the coil next. nothing wrong with factory Bosch, but i am also a fan of MSD.

Not true. Wet plugs can make it hard for the ignition system to spark, basically a flooded engine.

If you spray in starter fluid and it runs briefly, does it do this repeatedly?

[gaoze36]

does it do this repeatedly?

it is like a onetime thing, I tried starting fluid today didnt work : (
I have also tested compression, 145 - 155 on all cylinders

[jbontke]

Lets start with testing spark. Pop a plug wire off, put the plug wire on the end of a screwdriver (the metal pat inside the plug wire contacts the screwdriver), then hole the screwdriver by the insulated end close to a metal part (about 1/4" away) of the engine and have someone crank it. Report back if you see spark jump the gap or not.

[gaoze36]

I was stupid for not pulling the fuel lines on the fuel rail. I have fixed it! It was a stupid problem 😆the last owner added a second fuel filter, and it was fully blocked. I guess the fuel in the cylinders was the last little bit of fuel in the lines. Thanks for all the help guys!