Half a car to boggle half your mind

[ghsnu]

Ok, at my school's auto shop, we have a few half cars for demonstration/diagnostic purposes. One of the car's I've been assigned to fixing - a 2002 Mercury Sable. It hasn't been running for a year or two now, and we're trying to get it running again.

So far:
-We've hooked up a scanner - only threating code is an "Internal KAM Error" (ECU)
-Did both a fuel pressure and compression test - both are fine although #5 cylinder is roughly 10-20 psi lower than the other cylinders
-Is sparking
-pretty sure injectors are working (strong scent of fuel after cranking)

We think there may be fuel in the oil pan too as the dipstick reaks of raw fuel. Can't really hear any compression so my guess would be ether timing or lack of compression. I'll try to do a lealdown test sometime though.

Your guy's thoughts?

 

[Perfect Balance]

Fuel in the oil pan is likely just from flooding the engine while cranking without it igniting. This also means you likely have fuel. Cars need air, fuel and ignition to start. If you've got all 3 (with good compression), then the problem is most likely the timing. Before that though, try making sure the plugs aren't soaked with fuel.

Also, how old is the fuel in the car? You say it hasn't been running for two years. It might just need fresh fuel.

EDIT: If you've got good compression, why would you suspect a "lack compression" is the issue?

 

[Bottoz]

Sensors... Fuses... ECU...
Good Luck.

 

[ghsnu]

Sensors... Fuses... ECU...
Good Luck.

Everythings fine minus the bits that are uh...missing...from the rear end.


I'd probably guess its the fuel too. Haven't seen anyone put fuel in it in the last few years (yet our Yaris and Lexus start up just fine). Might explain the issues with the other two half cars we have.

 

[niky]

10-20 psi low is no big deal. If everything else is fine and the timing is right, the engine should, theoretically, be good to go.

 

[Eric.]

Have you tried using some starting fluid?