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Narrowing down a spark issue, cranks but no start after sitting 1.5 yrs


Macrona

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Sep 1, 2018
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Brief backstory on the vehicle that got it into this position -

It's sat for about 1.5 years since the last time it was ran. The engine ran fine at the time, but it had problems that kept it from passing state inspection and so it sat for that amount of time until the owner decided to revive it. After replacing the battery (and battery cable terminals) due to corrosion, changing out the fuel and fuel filter (not fun), she cranks but won't catch. We performed the starting fluid test into the intake, no change, so we don't have spark.

Now we're a bit lost as to how to proceed, we know that the issue is likely with one of the electrical components in the ignition system, but we're unsure as to how to diagnose where the issue actually lies. We don't want to put the money and effort into replacing everything one by one until it finally starts, and the tutorials we're seeing online aren't specific to this vehicle and aren't very specific.

The vehicle ran fine engine wise before it was parked, so we're not sure what might have failed since then. The fuel delivery system seems fine, pump works, new filter, it's getting to the engine no problem it seems, just no spark...

It's a 1997 2.3L with 143k miles on it. Not sure if anything in the ignition system has ever been changed or not, but I kind of doubt it. Still, right now the main goal is to try and get the truck running (with as little money invested as possible) before we tackle the other electrical problems it was having previously (turn signal flasher, steering column shift solenoid) and it's been giving us more hassle than expected.
 
Yes if you did the 50/50 test(spray fuel into the intake) and engine didn't startup then SPARK.......or compression is the problem.

1997 2.3l does use a timing BELT, and these do break
So just to take that off the table, look behind top of timing belt cover to make sure CAM Gear is turning while cranking over the engine.
The Rubber belt could have been near end of life when it was shut off the last time, and sitting for 18 months caused it to rot out a bit, so at first crank, belt could have snapped

1997 2.3l Spark timing is done inside the computer(PCM) no separate spark control module.
On the passenger side front engine cover is the Crank Position(CKP) sensor, it slides down into a hole and tells PCM #1 TDC as crank is turning so it can time spark and fuel injectors.
Cam sensor helps but CKP sensor is the main sensor that gets you spark and fuel in the cylinders.
After cranking you can pull out a spark plug, any one, and make sure its tip is WET with fuel, that will tell you fuel injection is working and, CKP sensor is working
If spark plug is not WET then CKP sensor may not be working, or Valves aren't :), see timing belt

1995 and up 2.3l's have both Coil Packs working when cranking engine, 1994 and earily just one did.
So even if 1 coil pack failed engine should still start
 

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