Fuel problem?

[Daves 90 Spyder]

OK, I'm getting to wit's end.

I have a 90 spider with the Motronic system. I've had on-again, off-again problems with it since I bought it two years ago. However, since I don't have a good mechanic in the area -- I live in Jefferson City, Mo. -- I've done most of the work on it myself.

On my first trip in the car -- St. Louis and back -- I blew the water pump. Fixed.

Recently, I've been having problems getting it to start. I first went after the electrical/ignition side of the house. I replaced the plugs/wires/distributor and ordered a Hi-performance hose set to eliminate any problems with false air. Eventually I tracked the no-start to the fuse for the fuel pump (a $9 solution.) At that point I was at about $500.

The car ran great for a day. Next time I tried to start it, the starter was fried. I replaced the starter, and while the engine now cranks, it does not start. I recharged the battery and get 12.4v at the battery. I also replaced the fuel pump fuse again with a spare I had sitting around. Nothing.

I am not an expert. I'm also unclear on how to check the fuel system to make sure that it's not a filter or pump that's my problem. I do have spark (ckecked with a light) so I'm thinking that it's a fuel issue.

Please, please recommend where I should look next. I'd prefer not to have to spend tons more to make her roll. But, I have to admit, my wife's calls for a trade to a Miata are starting to be hard to rebut.

Thoughts? (Outside of a Miata.)

[Elio Comello]

You can't check out the fuel delivery without the car running...

I assume you have looked at your shop manual and done some checks....

I would rig up a temporary line to the fuel pump, disconnect the fuel line at the pressure regulator at the fuel rail and carefully, collecting the gas in a plastic jug, prove that the pump is delivering fuel (pump and filter OK), you do not need to turn the key on, just get someone to touch the positive to the battery.

If you have fuel to the rail, then you need to check the injectors...do you have a noid lite? the injectors are pulsed by switching the ground to them on and off by the FI ECU. It is important therefore that the ground be connected. Check this.

Another test is to spray starter fluid into the air filter intake and prove that the car is capable of running with fuel. You also have a drive relay that governs pump operation, picking up signal from the ignition coil, check this..

I hate to see you stuck and disappointed...let me know if this helps.

TTFN Elio