89 Tercel not starting

[demo_deven]

Hey guys. I have a 1989 Tercel 4 cyl. I bought it for the demo derby. I started it up in the guys driveway and went down the street to put as in it. I shut it off and put some gas in. Then i drove back home (about 1/2 hour) and once i got home i shut it off. The next morning, me and my buddy took it in my field and did about 2 or 3 laps, then brought it up to my barn and shut it off. about an hour later I went to go start it and put it in the barn but it wouldnt go. I just turn the key and it turns over, just is not catching. I checked the timing belt, ok, spark, ok, spark plugs, ok (although im gonna replace them anyways) and i checked all of the fuses, and I even replaced the motor and head fuses (12v) but still nothing. I also put gas down the carb but didnt help. I tried putting my foot to the floor but no go. Anyways if anyone can tell me what could be wrong with it, just throw your suggestions in and I will go try it and let you know. Thanks in advance, Deven

[KimMG]

Vacuum leak?
How did you determine if it has spark?
Have you done a compression check?

[demo_deven]

For the spark I just took one of the wires off and held a screwdriver a little bit away from the engine hook and got my friend to turn it over. There as spark going from the hook to the screwdriver (or vise versa) Compression I just held my finger to the hole and it was getting compression. I am going to call my friend he has a compression tester and I am going to see if he can bring it over. As for the vacum lines, where do I start? Is there any website that shows where all of the mines are? please help lol. Thanks, Deven

[KimMG]

For a vacuum diagram, try autozone.com There are some free repair guides available. Or you can try your local library for a repair manual. How do all the spark plugs look?

[demo_deven]

I am on it right now! The spark plugs have some black residue, not too much but some. Like I said I was going to replace the spark plugs in it so I will check all of the vacum lines and if they are fine, then I just hope the spark plugs are at fault. I'll keep you informed. Tanks for your help so far KimMG, Deven

[KimMG]

Spark plug condition is an indicator to how a motor is running. Below is a link for spark plugs and how they can tell you what is happening in the combustion chamber.
http://www.dansmc.com/Spark_Plugs/Sp...s_catalog.html

[demo_deven]

hmmmmm..... checked vacum lines, replaced plugs, still no go. damn it!

[demo_deven]

I've put a picture of the car just to show you how mean lookin it is lol. Well the engine is pretty muddy (from the fields) so tomorrow as a last resort i will pressure wash it off nice and clean. I should of done this first i guess, but i'd never think that it can really make a difference. Oh well, we will see in a cuple days.
http://pic5.piczo.com/deven-kick-ass...w=y&g=25347343

[KimMG]

Are all the sparkplugs firing? Is the air intake clear from obstructions? Is the fuel pump working?