Typical Question - I SEARCHED
 

Before I hear the "use search" comments, just wanted to say I spent well over 2 hours searching and couldn't find what I'm looking for. Now that either says I'm really bad at searching or I just couldn't find it.

Basically, my car won't start. Turn the key, starter moves, sounds like it's moving the engine, but it just doesn't get there.

It's a brand new engine, not even 3k on it yet. I went to work, and it sat there for 9 hours (maybe only 3-4, I don't remember if I went out to eat or not) but anyway, when I came back, it wouldn't start.

Now for my not-so-detailed input. It doesn't sound like the fuel pump is working, but then again, I've been the only one around trying (nobody to start while I'm back there listening. I'm less inclined to think it's the fuel pump than I am of my other idea involving the tachometer.

I noticed that the tach was not jumping like it usually does when I'm starting it, and if my small but humble knowledge of my baby serves me correctly, the tach runs off one of the coils (trailing, I think? Please correct me if I'm wrong). And obviously, if the coil doesn't work, that means there's no spark, and if there's no spark, there's no starting.

I want to look more into my spark idea, but I'm not quite sure where to start (or exactly how to do it either) if anyone out there in Rotaryland could help me out just a little bit, it'd be greatly appreciated. Thanks a bunch.

Try plugs and a new pump. Which everone u want first. If the motor is turning as long as its getting spark and fuel it should start.

sounds like to me what mine does when it gets major loaded. Is it flooded? The pump on mine is only audiable if the line has no pressure, after that is it quiet. See if the plugs you have are wet, go from there :D

Jumper the yellow 2-pin connector near the AFM, pop the hatch, turn the key on, and walk back to the fuel pump area. If it's on, you'll hear it...

If it's not, proceed to troubleshoot the fuel supply side of things...

If it is working, then go with your ignition theory. Start with an inductive pickup type timing light, and check the wires while cranking...

Don't throw parts at it until you've done some troubleshooting :)

Hehe, I used to be like that.... but I've calmed down. It just causes more problems :\ But thanks for all the input, I'll try all your suggestions just as soon as I have time to try each one twice :) just in case I mess up the first time.

I planned on replacing well, most everything to do with fuel. New pump, lines, injectors, rails, etc.

Yes, the tachmometer is based on the coils, leading or trailing depends on your year number. My ignition would cut when my air flow sensor was shorting out. Make sure that your crank angle sensor is working. Also make sure all the main, egi inj, and egi cmp fuses are in good shape.

Sounds flooded, did you pull the EGI fuse and crank it over a few times before reistalling the fuse and trying again?

check the compression and then go for unflood procedures. after that start looking for other problems. I'm betting on it being flooded though.

CHECK FUSES!!!! cant believe nobody said this yet. if the tach doesnt move, that means its electrical. probably a blown fuse.
pat