I have an 86 NA that won't start. I checked all the connections, changed plugs, got a new battery (old one was on the way out), and put some new gas in the tank. It cranks, and cranks, but dosen't start.

I had no problems with it a month and a half ago, but it sat for about 3 weeks. I am hesitant to put atf in the engine, because an oil change is about a 40 mile drive.

I smell fuel in the exhaust, and the plug wires are connected really well, any thoughts? I did the stand-on-the-pedal remove fuse replace deal, no cigar.

Any help appriceated, located in KS.

 

Remove the leading (lower) spark plugs and see if they are wet with fuel. If so, pull the EGI fuse and crank the engine to blow out some of the fuel. Squirt a bit (ounce or so) of oil into each spark plug hole, replace the plugs, replace the EGI fuse and try to start the engine. (Make sure the plug wires are connected correctly. L1 to the front lower plug--L2 to the rear lower plug.) If it starts you will get a huge cloud of smoke out the tail pipe but not to worry, it will eventually clear up.

If it doesn't start after a few tries, the problem is likely more serious than flooding and will require a systematic troubleshooting procedure to detmine the cause of the problem. Get a copy of the factory service manual from one of the links in the 2nd gen FAQ at the top of this forum section for a troubleshooting matrix.

BTW, you have an S4 so, leave the gas pedal alone when attempting to start the engine.

 

I did the squirtin' atf into the housings, going to leave it alone overnight and try it tommorrow.