I've even tried yelling at it, still won't start

[mtjarrett]

Here's what I know:

-2001 Astro, 215k miles
-in the past several months, every now and then it just won't start. cranks and cranks but won't catch. day or two later, no problem.
-every now and then throws up P0300 (random cylinder misfire) and at other times throws up a random cylinder misfiring (eg P0304 or P0303)
-it has head / head gasket issues. doesn't overheat, but uses up coolant
-last week, while driving down the road, engine lost power and then cut off. cranked back up after a few minutes but only ran with minimal power a few yards and then died again. hasn't started since.
-in the driveway, it will crank and crank but never catch. every now and then it seems like one cylinder might fire but not enough to actually start
-gas smell is strong after cranking for several seconds
-no codes on the OBDII

Here's what I've done:

(in the past)
-changed fuel pump and filter August 09
-changed cap and rotor December 09
-changed plugs and wires December 10

(today)
-new ICM
-new coil

-getting spark at spark plugs (checked one)
-spark plug smelled like gas (but otherwise clean)
-behavior doesn't change with starter spray


After changing the coil, it did in fact start for about 5 seconds, ran rough then died. Now sounds exactly the same as before changing coil and ICM.

Thoughts????

[chevymaher]

check compression you already said it got head gasket issues.check for fouled plugs while they out for compression check.check and see if water getting in oil (head gasket thing)check PVC see if anything in there again moisture from gasket.Find out where coolant going would be the biggie to me.if it getting in engine it could ruin it.

[fast68]

since theres lots of fuel i would go with a new ICM

[NY Safari TONKA]

Ok try re checking sparkplugs take them out and one by one chk if the ceramic moves...if all good make sure gap is correct ;another think it could be your fuel pressure regulator...Lets us know how it goes! dont ...hey also if you going to change it you can use the Kit less $$$ less metal jajaja

[mtjarrett]

the answer was....

bad distributer. somebody on one of these forums had the same issue a while back. anyhow, now we got a different issue.

i keep getting a P0351 code. gonna post as a new topic though. thanks for the help.