So am I wrong to think it is flooding out severely? I'm sure my spark is good, it just seems like flooding symptoms due to strong fuel smell in the smoky exhaust, and not starting after a few starting/dying cycles.

 

It's pretty easy to check for spark to be sure.

 

Okay I'll do that in a bit. Thanks

 

Are you absolutely, 100% positive your plugs and wires are good? About 2 years ago, I accidently broke a plug wire and didn't realize it (the rubber coating didn't break, the wire inside separated)... my idle (if you could call it that) was anywhere between 500 and about 1500rpm at any given time, the rpms went up and down about 200 rpm even under steady throttle, the car stalled a few times (even though it's an auto), didn't like starting, and generally sounded like a p**sed-off geo metro on steriods (what with the spark only hitting on 3 cylinders and all)

 

I'm not 100% sure..They're new, thats all I know for sure. I'm just going by feel. It doesn't feel like it is missing(I've had cars not fire on all cylinders, pretty distinct feel). The car doesn't jerk or anything, it just doesn't stay running. And it runs great once i keep it going long enough and it warms up some.

 

If spark turns out to be fine, then make sure the oil is not flooded with gasoline, which as you suggest would lower compression. If necessary, change the oil. If engine still won't start after an oil change, then do a compression test on the cylinders. Search forum for Forty04's DIY.

 

Thanks, I'll check spark later today.

 

All plugs are sparking fine. It still won't run long.. and I smell fuel the whole time I am trying to keep it going.

 

Check whether the timing belt has slipped a few teeth, the cylinders have low compression, and the ground wire on the thermostat housing is loose and making poor electrical contact.

 

I haven't tried those 3 things above yet, but when i try to start it now, it will not even fire unless the throttle is wide open, and it never catches and runs at all. I get a CEL when i am trying, and it still smells strongly of fuel, even with the throttle closed.