Starting Problems

OK so just an update with some more information about the problem because the previous post was a little vague. Things are a little weird so bear with me. It was roughly 27 degrees when it would not start the first time, but the next I went out and it started up (with a slight sputter at the beginning) when it was 25 degrees. After it started it ran perfectly fine. The next day it was a little warmer but still in the high 20's and it wouldn't start. I proceeded to check the spark and although it was weak there was still a spark. I thought maybe the fuel pump wasn't working so I jumped the appropriate terminals in the diagnostics panel and listened for the pump to engage and it did so that works fine. I then heated the hood compartment with a salamander heater (big jet heater) and it started to sputter a little when I cranked it. Finally after cranking for a while and lightly pumping the pedal I got it to about 500 rev and let the key back to on with my foot still on the gas and she climbed up to just over idle and spat some grey smoke out the back. Not really sure whats up. Ask for more information and I'll give you the best of my knowledge.

tell a little more about not starting - does it sometimes sound like it kicks up higher, then falls back to normal cranking speed? that would indicate a lack of fuel issue. where did you get the ignition coil (condenser) from-new or used? did you replace the ignitor module as well (they have a history of taking each other out in toyotas, gm's, hondas, etc). have you tried adding an alternative fuel (brake cleaner, propane) as you crank? also, remember that <i>spark</i> is <b>not</b> the required factor in a running motor. combustion is. I have seen lots of cases where there is a weak spark, but not enough to light off the cylinders.

(this next paragraph is why you don't drink and diagnose, folks)

just read your second post thoroughly, and now I feel dumb. you have an enleanment problem. I'm pretty sure the '92 has a cold start fuel injector. You can find it on the intake manifold in the center facing the front of the car. it is a two pin Bosch style connector, it is only active on cranking, is a simple circuit from [crank position on ign switch] to [two pin coolant temp sensor on back of motor] to [cold start injector] to ground. the coolant temp sensor (there are 3) has either brown or black plastic on it (forget which) and heavier gauge wires (~16ga) running to it. You should start by disconnecting the connector from the injector and putting a 12v light across it. try starting in the cold (below 53 degrees) and it should light up. if it does, it's working and something else is wrong. if not, that's your problem.