95 transport 3.1

Hello all,
back on here once again. I use the van for work purposes only as it carries my tools and such. I recently got laid off for a 3 week period so the van doesnt get much use. I start it every second day or so just to be safe. Today however it started up but hesitated while doing so and then died after 15 seconds. Now i cant get it to start at all it turns but wont run. The gas level was a little low b4 parking it but not into the reserve yet so i doubt that is the problem. nothing leaking and everyhting seems fine under the hood according to my knowledge of vechicles.. mind u im here asking this question so my knowledge is limited haha.
any help or advice would be greatly appreciated thanks.



Rahl

I'm assuming not starting at all now as opposed to maybe catching & quitting, or some hint of a start?

Usual drill for no starts is checking & sorting out spark & or fuel.

Easy way to see if you have spark is with a timing gun connected & turning over the engine. Used to be able to check for spark with a plug removed & grounded, then spinning the engine but not sure about this with new stuff. If no spark, then could be many reasons for that ..wiring etc & ignition system needs to be sorted out.

Used to be able to use quick start or squirt some fuel in the carb to see if the engine'd fire or start. That'd mean spark & the ignition system is ok & indicate some kinda fuel prob like a plugged filter or worn out pump.

Important to rule things out so as not to waste money changing good parts. Deal with known probs first.

Puzzled about developping that problem after a few alternate day starting....and basic tests as suggested should be performed...pulling a plug or just installing a spare at the end of one plug wire is OK....but it looks more like lack of fuel....or what ???....

...on the other hand.....unless the engine is brought to operating temperature, just running the engine a little is not the best of procedures, while upping it to op temp each time is a waste of fuel.
The engine runs quite rich in the first few minutes and this is where "cold" combustion generates the worst byproducts....
Water is also a normal by product of combustion..in fact there is more water left that fuel burned.... and if exhaust stays cold, it accumulates in pipes and muffler and catalytic ...not to mention that left in cylinders and manifold or seeping to the oil pan...not a good idea.

I'd train a hair dryer over ignition coil, distributor and wires, just in case external humidity played a role. Use a battery charger to help starting at full voltage. If it finally starts, up it near op temp..then after that, if you have doubts about battery, use the battery charger to bring it to full voltage the next time you want to start.....a week or more later....