HELP!!!I just purchased a 1992 2.6 with 120K on it that I knew didn't run. The guy said he ran it without coolant for 1 mile and it stopped running. (I don't think this is the case but that's the story he gave) There is coolant in the cooling system, there is no evidence of any coolant in the oil or visa versa. The engine cranks fine, the timing chain looks fine, the compression checks out at between 135 and 160. I checked the spark on all the plugs by gounding each plug out of the cylinder- they looked OK. I sprayed starting fluid into the air cleaner and even tried some into each cylinder after removing the spark plugs. NOTHING. Not even a kick. ANY IDEAS what to look for or where to start?????? Thanks in advance

I like to start by knowing if there's fire. With an inductive timing light clip to each plug wire, crank engine check for light pulses. check each wire in succession. Hope this low tech approach helps.
Good Luck
Steve

I have seen the coils fail only when under pressure. they will spark when out of the cylinder, but when under compression and fuel, will not fire. I would check the fire in the combustion chamber.

which coils are you talking about? I took off each plug wire and each plug and then grounded each one while they were still attached to each plug wire respectively, one at a time, and cranked the engine and they sparked. I even swapped out the plugs with another 190E 2.6 that I own.

put fuel in the gas tank? :D
sorry I had to. see if you are getting fuel pressure.
spark, compression and fuel should get you something!
good luck!
Adam

Even if there were no fuel ( there is because the plugs eventualy get wet) spraying ether into the air cleaner and into the cylinders when the plugs are out and then putting them back should give you your little explosions but nothing has happened _ go figure.

You might check for a loose vacuum type hose that might have fallen off on the underside of the intake manifold. This will cause an extreme lean condition and prevent the engine from starting. I have seen this happen several times ussually caused from a backfire.

Good luck.

If you don't know the basics, it will be hard to diagnose this.

This engine has one coil and 6 cylinders. I have seen the rotor stand break inside the distributor cap and I have seen bad distributor caps.