Car wont start. Cranks Fine.

[phatphlea]

Background:
98 saturn SC2. New plugs, wires.
Problem occurs when car is cold and being started.
Car will crank fine, start up fine, then sputter and die.
Car cannot be started for approximately 20 minutes of down time, w/ smoke pouring out the exhaust when it does fires and then ran fine in the past.
Now the car will not start after it was (started, sputtered and died). The car will crank, just will not fire.

Thanks. Any help would be appreciated

[RC1488]

Two things:
1. Replace your ECTS. This controls fuel/air mixtures and is vital to the PCM. New ones are brass
2. During a no start situation remove the wires from the coil towers and see if you see spark. If you do not see any spark then your CPS (crankshaft position sensor) is bad. Replace it as needed.

[phatphlea]

replaced both still won't fire

[RC1488]

Do you see spark at the coil towers?

Put the key in the RUN position. You should hear the fuel pump Humm for 2-3 seconds. Then try to start the car. Start? Doesnt Start?

Also be sure your throttle body is clean. The Idle Air Control valve is essential to the car starting. If it is gummed up with carbon it cannot move the proper amount and thus your engine may not start.