Cranks but no start

Tiny
SHORTSTACK92
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 DODGE COLT
  • 1.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 96,000 MILES
I bought this car a few months back and have replaced the head gasket, intake gasket, starter, mass airflow sensor, Distributor, cap and rotor, oxygen sensor, valve cover gasket, fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plugs, and a few other ignition parts.
Problem is that it will not start now. It ran but ran poorly after the head gasket replacement and then after about fifty miles of very poor performance. It just puttered out and shut off and refuses to start. I have gotten it to start a few times but it only ran for about fifteen seconds and shuts off and if you press the accelerator at all it does even faster.
After it starts like that I pull the spark plugs and they are coated black and smell like gas.
I am at the end of my knowledge and would appreciate any help!
Friday, January 20th, 2017 AT 9:54 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Check fuel pressure with a gauge auto parts rent it. See link.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
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Saturday, January 21st, 2017 AT 8:43 AM
Tiny
SHORTSTACK92
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have checked that and the pressure is fine. I have also replaced the fuel pressure regulator already.
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Saturday, January 21st, 2017 AT 9:44 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Check for spark and if weak or none. Do these checks in pictures. This is assuming you have optical/magnetic ignition.
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Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 AT 8:11 AM
Tiny
SHORTSTACK92
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have full spark, but my plugs turn black after about 3 times of trying to start. I know it's running rich but im not sure what wake to check.
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Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 AT 11:31 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
If you checked your fuel pressure with a gauge it would tell you if it is h igh or not like a fuel pressure regulator either that or the compression is low or oil is getting into all the cylinders. It should be 38 psi at idle w/vacuum and 4-50 w/o
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Monday, January 23rd, 2017 AT 6:35 AM

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