Need help asap. No start problem.

[kieran1094]

After cleaning my engine yesterday on my 1986 Corolla LE A82, I drove it twice and it started right up both times at both ends of the trips. Then this morning it wouldn't start and the battery drained fast trying to start it. I only have a little trickle charger so I hooked it up and let it charge up. I also put 5 gallons of gas in since the gas guage is very erratic. So I cranked it some more and it still wouldn't start. Everything is turning over, just no start. It's dark out so I quit until tomorrow. I know to check for gas and spark, and I know I didn't smell gas in the carb as I was cranking it, so how do I test for gas flow. It has a mechanical fuel pump and I changed the fuel filter about a month ago. A couple of troubleshooting charts I looked at mentioned wet coil or cap or wires. Could it have started four times fine and then have a moisture problem? Any suggestions would be appreciated. I have a Chilton and a Haynes book. Thank you.

[Rolla Pat]

mmmm...yes check for spark and gas. To check your pump, basically unloosen one of the banjo bolts from the filter and crank her, if it squirts out, it's fine, then check the carb. If not, then it's the pump.

[Deep]

It could be moisture under the cap, but it would likely have evaporated overnight.