Back in the game. No start/spark!

[greenstorm]

Hey all. Started working on my MX-3 again.

'92 KLZE swapped, MT swapped (was an Auto tranny)

Here's my problem. Everything seems to work, when I turn the key, nothing happens. The dash lights stay on, the starter doesn't engage.

I tested the starter by running a wire straight from the battery to the starter (with the key in and turned on), and it will engage the starter and spin the engine, but I'm getting no spark so it doesn't start. Spark plugs smell of gas, so fuel system is OK.

I ran this car about 5 years ago with the KLZE in it for about 5k miles. It wouldn't start once in awhile, then it just stopped starting all together.

Here's what I've checked so far.

Starter's good. Turns engine over.

Disty was bought brand new when I 'ZE swapped so I don't think that's it.

ECU is fine. I have 2, and have swapped them back and forth.

What should I check next? Any ideas or similar problems?

Thanks!

(PS - any tips for running codes? how do I do this, and would any of these cause the no spark symptom?)

[greenstorm]

ran codes. knock sensor. will it not start because of this?

[Ryan]

Nope, it will run fine with code 5.

Check your ignition switch outputs. Check your battery connections, actually, don't check them, take them off, clean them, and put them back on. Check all of the fuses.

I'd still suspect the distributor.

[whitete]

hey try the 'ground' at the starter under the intake tube driver side i had that problem it turned out to be a simple ground issue

hope it turns out ok for ya

[greenstorm]

Not sure if it wasn't dark enough or I did something yesterday, but it has spark now. I think the gas is bad because it's been sitting with a 1/8th a tank for 3 years in the garage.

I still can't get it to engage the starter without the wire.

Could you explain more where that starter ground is? I have a few ground straps and extra wire I've been looking to use

[greenstorm]

UPDATE! I have my laptop in the garage so I can create a more clear picture for those who can help me

In advance, thanks for all your advice.

I sprayed some starting fluid in it, and it ran for like 3 seconds, so I think the fuel is just bad. Will cranking it for awhile clean it out? I added a gallon of gas and some HEET to the gas, I hope that helps.

I'm gonna check my plug again and see if it still smells of gas. I hope what is inhibiiting it from engaging the starter isn't also inhibiting my fuel delivery system. Once this garage smells better, I'll take a whiff of a plug.

[greenstorm]

IT LIVES!

still cant start it with key. Going to install push button starter for now :-/

[Daninski]

I found my starter wire badly corroded but once I cleaned it up real good and lubricated it against future corrosion the car started fine.

[greenstorm]

So, I added a push button starter, and it works fine. Still can't figure out why the key wont engage the starter.

Any tips on things I should check out? It was sitting for years and years, so... I'm checking it over before I drive it long distances.

My clutch needs to be bled, but I can't find anything else that seems wrong.

Which starter wire are you talking about, Daninski? I replaced the red/black small one that goes on top of the solenoid with my starter wire for my push button... could that have been a bad wire?

[greenstorm]

so, I'm getting a flash of the "charge" light whenever I hit around 5-6k rpm. Is this a VRIS failure?

[mitmaks]

I'd check alternator/battery

[greenstorm]

Hmm. Battery is new, so it might be the alternator. It only blinks for about half a second at 5-6k at WOT.

Quick question about ECU's - I'm running k8 ECU and JE50 VAF. What is the best ECU to run? I'm using k8 curved neck intake.