Once again... if the engine is turning OVER, but not starting, then the starter/flywheel are aligned, and engaged.
stop looking for worse things than it is, until the time comes that you have proven it CAN be that bad...
- Intermittent spark is a viable option, and a failing coilpack can do this to you. 10 minutes to replace it... but testing it first would be the better thing to do.
- With 114K miles, when's the last time the spark plugs and wires were changed?
- Fuel pump primes when you turn the key one click, you said? As long as you hear it prime the first time you turn the key (on an occasion that the car is not starting, then your fuel pump itself would be fine...
Like its already been said: fuel, air, spark..
As long as the engine is turning powerfully, don't touch the starter, aka "whacking it" and I am not even going to ask about how you would go about "whacking" the fuel tank...
but DON'T...
Ray
