The wiring was in excellent shape, pliable and soft. The owner even said he got a replacement harness.

Being the gasoline is 5 years old it had to be the reason for the no start, starting fluid allowed it to putter to life, so it's a fuel issue?

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1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily

1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk
2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair

Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.