420A Newby here ..need help please

[Newbydsm]

Hey guys, I'm looking at purchasing a 98 GS eclipse for my daughter. The car was my older sons car and about a year ago it just died on him and never started back. I personally never checked the car out until now that he wants to get it out of his yard for $100 . I don't know much about these cars so I need a little insight please. The fuel pump does run and when you crank the car over it acts like it wants to fire but just won't hit. Like I said it just died on him while driving a year ago, prior to that he just had the timing belt replaced because of mileage and all. I'd love to get this car for my daughter's first ride but I have no idea where to start the diagnosis . Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[c2ypt1c]

Combustion engines need three things in order to start: spark, fuel, and compression. Fundamentally, this is your starting point.

That said, I'll refer you to this:
http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/how-to-diagnose-a-no-start.217951/

 

[Newbydsm]

Combustion engines need three things in order to start: spark, fuel, and compression. Fundamentally, this is your starting point.

That said, I'll refer you to this:
http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/how-to-diagnose-a-no-start.217951/

Thank you for that advice. Stupid question here but these cars in 98 were (coil pack ) equipped right? No distributor?

 

[jinscho]

Thank you for that advice. Stupid question here but these cars in 98 were (coil pack ) equipped right? No distributor?

Correct, the coil sits right on top of the valve cover.

I'd start by testing the coil, and then also testing the cam and crank sensors.

 

[Newbydsm]

That's my thought exactly. I'm gonna start there forsure. Thanks again

 

[shifttsi]

Did you check for any codes? Does the engine sound like any other when starting? Does it spin fast when cranking?

 

[Newbydsm]

The engine turns over but slow. My son said that he can't remember if the CAL was on when it just cut off or not. It sounds like it's hitting when you turn it over but it won't crank.