Problem with a 1992 eclipse?

Question

I have a 1992 mitsubishi eclipse and it will not start. it will turn over just fine but wont fire. the trouble shooting codes were a couple of sencors so i changed them but it didnt do any thing. the car has a new fuel punp in it. and before it started the problem it was priming. iv been told it could be the distibutor, cap, rotor, or plug wires. and i have been told it could be any where from the fuel presure regulator to the computor but im not sure. i my self think it is the comp. but i want to know for sure. the starter is fine and the alternater is new. and the battery is ok also. i figuer somone must have come across the same problem some time if so how did you fix it. so please some one tell me.

Answer 1

Engines only have a few requirements to run so check all of these and you should be able to figure it out.
1. Fuel. The easiest way to see if your fuel system is working properly is to replace the fuel source with one you know it is getting. To do this you will need a can of starting fluid. Simply remove the air intake hose and spray a small amount of starting fluid into the engine while it is being turned over. If it tries to start your problem is in the fuel system.
2. Check for spark. They make testers for doing this but if you dont have one you can use a screwdriver with a good plastic handle. All you have to do is pull one plug wire off of the spark plug and insert a screwdriver into the boot. Now hold the screwdrivers metal shaft close to a bare metal spot on the engine and have someone turn it over for you. there should be a nice strong spark.
3. If staring fluid does not help and you have spark it is either timing or compression. There is no easy way to check there without special tools but you can look to see if your timing belt is in good shape and working properly.

Now if you are not getting fuel it is most likely the fuel filter or fuel pump. Ususally the pump is not bad either but is actually the wiring to it that goes bad.

If you are not getting spark make sure that you are getting power to the coils etc and if you are the most common problem here is the ignition control module. It is a good idea to check all of your fuses before getting too carried away though.

If it is a compression problem the car should still start with starting fluid but if it a timing problem it might not do anything These cars are noted for excessive timing belt wear and you should check the belt often.

Hope I have been helpful.