Originally posted by horseydug:
However, rather than throwing parts at a problem and hoping you strike it rich, a basic diagnosis; such as pulling a plug and checking for fuel/spark, might be a better place to start.

Was fuel cut-off switch found tripped?

p.s. One continuos thread on a problem is preferred.



horseydug,

I saw this thread after posting a new one about an intermittent problem I'm having, where my engine dies (if it happens to be running), and refuses to start... but generally fixes itself within 15-30 minutes.

The problem is, by the time I get my car to the mechanic, it's always working fine, and I just have them scratching their heads. And it happens incredibly rarely. So it would be nice to at least come up with a list of different diagnostic things to try the next time this happens

Sorry for being so dense, but how easily/quickly can one pull a plug? And I assume you just hold it there and see if it's making a spark while an accomplice tries starting the engine? (I would imagine there's no way to see if there's a spark if one is alone in the driver's seat)

Also, is there any other diagnosis you would recommend trying when this problem occurs?

Thanks

--afn