Need advice on problem-no start

[Blownpiston]

With boards help, I am almost through this nostart problem, on 1990 1.0, metro. with tbi. so far: repaired broken connector @ tbi. , replaced injector resistor. Now ecm will pulse and operate injector. Can see fuel spray in bowl. Blue spark at plugs. battery is @ 12.23 v. Engine cranking, but will not start. Every now and then seems like it "hits' a little trying to start. Ideas on what to do, check next? I will do compression check tomarrow. i will remove fuel hoses, supply and return & check for good flow. Why wont this start? Whatto do next, Check what? After cranking #1 plug bone dry and black dry sooty look. #2 wet and clean, #3 wet and clean. before i cleaned and regapped the plugs they were all black and sooty looking. can this engine start on 2 cylinders? This is long winded, i know. if someone would could explain, itwould enable me to get this thing started. Or scrap the engine. It started and ran good for 20 miles. Shut it off, then would not restart, no fuel to bowl. Thanks.

[Crvett69]

its almost impossible to clean the black sooty carbon coating out of the recessed part of the plug and any remaining will make the plug spark up inside under compression, just replace the plugs with a new set and it may start

[Blownpiston]

crvett69 Thanks. I am going today get plugs. can you tell me what compression i can get away with, on test gauge? and be good for a start condition.

[Woodie83]

New condition compression is 200#, bare minimum is 150#. Engine warm, all plugs out, throttle open.

[Blownpiston]

Woodie83 thanks. I changed my crankshaft seal. and time belt. Getting crank gear off was easy, i used the old bump the starter with a wrench on it trick. pop, and off we was. Where/how to stop crank turning to tighten bolt back up? I dont have a chain wrench to grab pulley with. Any tricks to this one? beyond jacking up, removing starter, and jamming flywheel? i dont wanna go there if i can get around it.

[Woodie83]

If you have a manual transmission, put it in fifth and have someone hold the brake pedal. If you have an automatic you'll need to jam a screwdriver or crowbar in the flywheel teeth, there should be an inspection plate at the rear (driver's side) of the oil pan.

[Blownpiston]

Woodie 83, much thanks, got the gear tight. your advice very good.sometimes i think i should stick to things i know, LIKE paper air planes! Thank you, and to all on board. I appreciate your knowledge and help.