I just got my 1988 TII today and was out driving around. I stoped to say hello to some people and when I tried to start it, the car just kept cranking. The previous owner had said that sometimes the car won't start, but he said that most of the time, the car is setting so that might be the reason. Also to start it, you have to hold down on the gas while cranking or it will not turn over. Basically, I thought that I was not getting any fuel, so I ripped open the back of the car and checked the fuel pump to see if it was pumping fuel to the engine. After almost getting a face full of gas, I new that was not the problem. Next I checked the fuel line from the fuel filter to the engine and that has pressure too. Later tonight, I checked the ignition and made sure all the wires were tight into the coils, etc. I know something is being burnt because I am getting little puffs of smoke out the back of the car, but it will not turn over. Please, any help would be great.

 

What color is the smoke? And when you say "won't turn over" that means that the starter will not turn the engine. But then you said it kept cranking and wouldn't start. Which is it?
It sounds to me like the car is flooded from a leaky fuel injector. Look in the fuse panel under the hood and pull the green fuse. It should say engine EGI or something like that. Turn the key and let the engine crank for about 15seconds. Put the fuse back in and start the car.
Also, when you checked the fuel pump, did you open that little panel above the pump in the trunk area? How did you almost get gas in your face? If gas came out when you opened the panel to access the pump, you should open the gas door and unscrew the filler cap to relieve tank pressure.

 

What I mean is that the fly wheel is turning and the started is obviously working, but the engine is not starting.