96 4.3l Starting problems

Yesterday after starting I made it about 100 yards then the engine went dead, and wont restart. I have checked spark before distributer and after and it appears to be fine. I pulled a spark plug and it was dry after several attempts on a turn over but I cant get it to start with starting fluid either. I was sure it was a fuel problem but when I spray starting fluid I get a very small backfire about every 5 revs at most and that’s it.

I don’t have a test gauge for fuel pressure so I am going to see if the local auto store will loan me one tomorrow and can check that then.

I have checked the coil via my chilton and it also checks out

I am at a loss now, I have spark and starting fluid wont do anything other than a hardly noticeable burp every now and again, leads me to think it is firing when there is little to no compression and perhaps a timing problem.

Any help on next steps or possible problems is much appreciated.


Luke

I got it started today, I took apart the ignition system to inspect and when I resembled it started but ran very rough. While watching it run I noticed an intermittent arch from coil wire to injector wires. After rerouting the coil wire and adjusting all other wires to have minimal contact it is now running smooth.

I am off to buy all needed parts for a comprehensive tuneup :)