'94 Talon won't start, good spark, need help!!

[ArcticCatJay]

I have a '94 TSI AWD that has been sitting for a few years. The car didn't run when it was put away, so now i'm starting to work on it and figure out whats wrong with it. The car died about 3 years ago due to a blown ignition fuse and never run the same after i replaced the fuse.

Anyway, the car will turn over and fire once in a while but won't start. I noticed the other day that the alternator was rusted so bad that it seized, causing all of the belts to slip on the crankshaft pulley. Took it apart yestreday and am still trying to get the alternator off so i can replace it. (Can't get that one long bolt out!!!!!)

I have a good battery, and really good spark in all cylinders. I checked the ECU which was real clean, and tested the MPI relay which was also good.

Does anyone have any ideas on what could be the problem???? ANY ideas or suggestions would be great!! thanks

 

[Dsmj89]

Checked for bad spark plugs ?
Checked if you're getting fuel ?
Clogged fuel filter ?

Get the alternator changed along with new belts while you're at it as well along with the simple tests above and report back.

 

[ArcticCatJay]

I have good plugs with good spark. When i pulled the plugs they were wet. I didn't check fuel pressure yet though.

 

[spooln4fun]

You said it fires once in a while, is there a chance that its out of time? Have you tried testing the coil pack and transistor pack?

 

[ArcticCatJay]

I tested the coil pack and everything was good..I tried to test the power transistor but couldn't get to it. I pulled the timing cover off also and from what i can see, it looks like the timing marks and the dowel pins on in the right spots. Plus, right before it died on me, the timing belts and tensioner were changed so I am doubting the timing is an issue.

Thanks for the help!! Keep it coming!!!!

 

[92AWDHX40]

You never know, do a compression test. To make sure thats ok. With these cars you never know i had timing gears line up and still have valves that nicked the head.

 

[habitatguy187]

You never know, do a compression test.

+1, quick and easy test to rule out a problem that can have you looking in 20 other different directions for the solution.

 

[ArcticCatJay]

ok so here is an update...

I finally got a good alternator on the car and tried to start it, but still nothing. Found out I wasn't getting fuel. I checked the fuel pump with the fuel pump check plug next to the battery, and the fuel pump works. Checked the MPI relay and also tried a different one, and still wouldn't start. MPI relay ok

My next test was to spray fuel into the throttle body, did that and it started up for a few seconds. It ran fine for those few seconds, so I have narrowed it down to a fuel problem. If the MPI relay is ok, i'm thinking its a bad ECU? Is this correct or can it be something else???

Also, the car is a 94 Turbo AWD with an EPROM ECU. If the ECU is bad, do i have to put an EPROM ECU back in it? Can I use any ECU from a 90-94 turbo AWD? The caps in the ECU look good and the ECU looks to be in good shape in general.

Can someone please help?!?!

One more thing...does the ECU have to be from a Turbo AWD or can it be from a Turbo FWD??

I need to make sure i get the correct ECU if that is that problem. thanks