1G No Spark! ECU? Crank Sensor? Ignition Coil?

[lemonghello]

My 1991 Eagle Talon TSI is in the shop and stuck there. My coolant reserve was empty the other day, so i filled it. Two days later, its empty again and now the car is idling at 2000 (normally 500ish). Check Engine light and coolant light were on. Eventually started, and then couple hours later it wouldnt turn over, but once it did took it to my mechanic, and the next day it wouldnt even start. Absolutely NO SPARK at all.
Mechanic couldnt even get it to start, called around and he thinks its the Crank Sensor (which is $700 to $900) from a dealership. Its getting fuel, but no spark and not turning over (i doubt its something like a battery, alternator or starter)
Ive done some research online, and get the consensus it might be the ignition coil? or something in the ECU, or the ECU itself. Im going to have to do some diagnostics that i found at
http://www.myzero.com/electrical/code.html
If anyone has heard of this, or knows anything, id greatly appreciate it...ive spent so much keeping this on the road, i cant let it die.

Matt

 

[Cablefed]

The first question I would ask is where is the coolant going. Is any of it ending up on the floor? If not check your oil for anitfreeze in it. You may have a blown headgasket. Thats alot of water to be missing in a short time. Get that answered then we can move onto your other problem.

 

[williamc]

You mentioned the CEL came on. You should check this first as it will probably point you in the right direction. Here is an easy, cheap way to find if you have a code:
http://www.myzero.com/electrical/code.html

William

 

[lemonghello]

thanks Cable and Will, sorry i havent been posting updates, its been a crazy week. Took it to another mechanic who specializes in DSM's on Long Island.

Heard today its my ECU. Im going to tackle this problem first, then hope that i dont have coolant leaking into my head gasket. I saw that link for the ECU diagnosing, good looking out though! I hope ill be able to find an ECU within reasonable $, and in the area.

Ill be checking out part listing, and ebay and whatnot. If anyone knows anything else or has a 1991 Eagle Talon TSI ECU laying around lemme kno thanks again everyone...ill keep you updated

<< matt >>

 

[GTM]

Originally posted by lemonghello

...

Heard today its my ECU. Im going to tackle this problem first, then hope that i dont have coolant leaking into my head gasket. I saw that link for the ECU diagnosing, good looking out though! I hope ill be able to find an ECU within reasonable $, and in the area. Ill be checking out part listing, and ebay and whatnot.
<< matt >>

Couple of things, first you need to identify to us what no start, no spark, no ecu means.

Using conditional branching the engine cranks yes or no. Given the info you provided with the coolant loss the engine could have hydraulic locked and will not crank. In that case you have to remove spark plugs and crank the engine over untli you expell all the coolant from the involved cylinders. Replace plugs and see if it cranks. If it cranks but you have no spark then you have to isolate that problem etc.

However with the coolant loss you should do a compression check and record the values. Once you have done that then worry about the other problems.

Cheers,
GTM

 

[boostineclipse]

DAmn..700$ for a crank sensor..remind me to stay away from that one

 

[turboholic]

Originally posted by lemonghello
If anyone knows anything else or has a 1991 Eagle Talon TSI ECU laying around lemme kno

http://www.mitsubishigraveyard.com/

 

[lemonghello]

thanks kevin...it seems like everyone knows about that site. Well i feel even better, because my car is actually AT that place with Gary. Ive heard great things from everyone, and hope that my car is in the right place. Im tracking down an ECU though, hopefully ill get the car back by the end of the week. Ill keep everyone informed of the progress, thanks again everyone.

<< matt >>