Hey all,
 
I had an unfortunate experience last week where my car shut down completely, now it cranks but will not start.
 
The starter motor is fine, battery is new and read a solid 14.xx volts so alternator isn't the issue. I thought spark (I'm yet to test), but I've noticed when I turn the ignition to the "on" position, the fuel pump whines for a very short period, then stops completely (I'm running a habitually noisy walbro 255lph).
 
I suspect the fuel pump, or associated wiring, might be shot. Strange that the pump runs for a very short period then stops.
 
My thoughts are:
 
- Blocked fuel filter (but pump should still run?);
- Fuel pump itself is stuffed;
- Alarm is dodgy (but wouldn't explain the shut-off mid drive?)
 
Any ideas?

Have a fiddle with the EFI relay and the circuit opening relay in engine bay fuse box. It must be wired a bit different to standard as I don't think the fuel pump should run until the key is turned to the start position. But that is not your present problem. Let us know how you get on as I have had a similar intermittent problem with no definitive answer.

I could be completely wrong here, but when in the On position isn't the fuel pump just priming?

Unfortunately (in some respects), it is quite modified. Purchased from forum member manlol, I'm not sure how active he was here, but it is also running a DIYPNP2 ECU (Megasquirt), and I'm not sure how the pump was wired in.
 
I thought the pump just primed Deevon yeah, but you can usually hear it a good few seconds before you crank - you can hear it less than a second and it stops now.
 
Fingers crossed it is something as simple as a filter clogged with crap but that is wishful thinking. I might bite the bullet, and when I narrow down the issue, just replace the pump altogether.
 
I do know the SW20 sat for months at a time with the previous owner, which isnt ideal.

Faut finding fun.

Fuel; Under the ash tray / front of gear stick leaver is a grey plug, power th the fuel pump. Needs to read at 9v for low power and 12v+ for high power - anywhere in between is fine (and should hear the fuel pump sound). Should run when at reds, stop, then run again when starting/started. Tell you if fuel pump getting power when cranking.
Change fuel filter engine bay, there is also a fuel filter end of the pump that can clog.
Smell if it's flooding when turning over.
Many other things in fuel to check but that's a start.

Spark; remove spark plug on lead, touch the engine with spark plug, (Google testing spark plug on how it's done - don't follow just my short version) and turn over to see if spark.

A lot of things, start fuel and spark. Just because the fuel pump runs doesn't mean it's firing at the fuel injector at the right rate. Breaking down indicates generally, blocked fuel filter or supply issue, failed relay/circuit. Happy hunting, report back what you see,

Update:
 
I think I've ruled out fuel at the pump. Using a circuit tester, there is a signal at the pump wire momentarily whilst in the on position (indicating priming), and when I crank, im getting a full time signal.
 
I also connected the pump itself directly to a constant 12v source. It is whirring away as usual.
 
Still won't crank over. I haven't had anybody else to assist in testing spark, but pulling a plug at least gives me a disturbed cranking noise so I think spark is good.
 
Will replace fuel filter shortly, and report back.

You could take off the top timing belt cover to see if the timing belt is still in one piece and the cam gears turn when cranked. With a torn belt the engine would turn over quicker than normal though. I have had this exact failure in the past with an SW20 MR2.

Luckily that has been ruled out too as I have a clear belt cover and Fidanza cam gears, all looks fine there

You need to correctly check for a good quality spark at a spark plug. Should be a strong sharp blue spark at a normal fast cranking speed. The plug needs to be earthed properly to the engine. Not just flapping around giving a half arsed earth. At this stage you don't actually know if you have a spark at all much less if it's strong enough to light a mixture or if it's timed correctly. You would be well advised to disable the fuel pump while testing as it will be flooding the cylinders every time it's being cranked. Where are you? Maybe someone is close by and willing to help.

Maybe use your phone to film the plug while you crank.