Ok, it's got fuel going to the regulator.... fuel pressure is fine... has strong spark.... still cranks and just won't start, it almost does, then it cuts out... i think that it could be , Timing chain/gears, the regulator, or (i hope not) somthing is wrong with the injectors.
so on tuesday (when i go home for thanksgiving break) i am going to yank the timing chain cover off and see if there is any obvious damage, if not, i will rebuild the regulater (thats only 25 bucks or so) perhaps i will replace the timing gears and chain anyways.... you guys think this is a good plan of action? am i overlooking anything? ill take all the advice i can get, thanks

 

if it turns over, has compression, has spark and has fuel, then it should run. Its probably your ignition timing, turn it by hand clockwise and then see if it will start. If it doesnt start then keep adjusting it until it will run.

If you have decent compression (130+) then your timign chain/camshaft is fine.

It could also be vaccum leaks.

 

what could throw off the ignition timing so bad that it wont run?

 

Double and triple check your ignition wires.

#1 cylinder is the front (of the car) PASSANGER side of the block.

Bring #1 to TDC, and VERIFY it, before setting timing.

 

Have their been any mods/repairs lately that might have caused the problem, or did it just not start one day? I'd agree timing could be suspect; thats my first guess. Also, look for the obvious...connectors not being fully seated, loose plug wires, a loose dist clamp that let the dist rotate out of time...before tearing anything apart. If you think it may be the timing chain, turn the engine over manually with a breaker bar with the dist cap off...if you can turn it much at all without turning the rotor, then you know you have a problem there. If you go as far as taking the cover off, replace the timing set anyway...its never a bad idea, esp on a higher mileage car.

 

the entire secondary ignition is less that 3k miles old, new pick up coil, new module, new starter, new alternater, new battery, am i on the right track to think this is an ignition or some kind of electric problem? have i done everything to eliminate the fuel problem? it turns over, it just wont fire up, i feel im so close..... i guess i will see what gets done thisweek.....

 

I'd bet its timing...try moving the dist around a little each way, and if no luck you might want to bring #1 up to TDC and set it again, just to be sure. Also, if you yank the distributor out, check the endplay between the dist gear and the housing...if its way out of whack (more than .012 or so) your timing can jump around. Thats probably not the main problem, but I have seen .030 or so clearance and tightening it back up with a shim can make a world of difference in how these things run.