1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse No-Start After Overheat
Have them pressure test it or sniff out the radiator neck for hydrocarbons to confirm a blown headgasket
When it dies out recheck for spark and fuel.
Suggested Repair
Have the cooling system pressure-tested, or check the radiator neck for hydrocarbons, to confirm a blown head gasket after the overheat. When it fails to start, recheck spark and fuel.
Conversation Summary
A 1998 Eclipse with 68,000 miles overheated from a bad thermostat. After the thermostat was replaced, it often cranks but will not start, and the plugs foul with gas rather than oil. Replacing the plugs and wires lets it start and run well for several starts, then the no-start returns. Fuel pressure, the regulator, injectors, timing, the oxygen sensor, battery connections, and the MAP sensor were reported in spec, with no codes. The expert suggests coolant and fuel may be mixing from a blown head gasket and recommends a pressure test or hydrocarbon check at the radiator, plus rechecking spark and fuel when it will not start.
