I did a visual check for spark on all plugs, twice, in daylight. In my experience if you can see a spark in these conditions there is enough to light off combustion but the ether test was the definitive test. It just took me a while to get my head around what I was being told. The car is still start...

Hi guys Thanks for all of the input. It is time to square the circle. Despite visual evidence of spark on all plugs (checked twice) the engine would not respond to ether injection. Looks like no spark to me. I wasn't getting any error codes set. Ask me how i know a TPS error will explain a no start ...

Good idea Erik. I think I'll just make an adapter and check out the gauge on my air distribution system or take it to work and scope it out with a nitrogen bottle. The vehicle goes from absolutely dead to running well which, to my mind, points more toward an ignition problem. When I get it back in t...

The trouble shooting will be on hold for a while. Went out to the snowbank where the 850 has been resting, put the key in the ignition, turned it, car started immediately and settled into a smooth idle. Drove it around he block and it functioned flawlessly. Is anybody else confused ?

Bob

I put in a new fuel pump relay just to eliminate that variable. I haven't tried the "lawn mower syndrome" gambit yet. The issue doesn't seem to fit with the intermittent nature of the problem but it's probably worth a try. If I can find a CPS in the salvage yard I'll try that. Not sure if ...

The car is non-turbo. I haven't checked the timing but when the car does start it runs with no apparent deficiencies. I have checked the codes with a code reader. I had a lean on bank one code if I remember correctly. I haven't checked the onboard code reader. The shop is well equipped (machine tool...

I have checked the spark on more than one occasion when in "no start" mode. It is always o.k. and the plugs are less than 8 months old. The compression is low. The car has north of 350,000 km. on the original engine but should run with 120 psi compression, albeit down on power. The compres...

This is a Hail Mary because if somebody described this issue to me I would say they didn't know what they were talking about. 1995 850 wagon starts easily and runs well from time to time. Other times it won't start. Right now it is in "no start" mode. There is a fat blue spark on each plug...