sl33k3r

details:
Car was a recent purchase
Started and drove fine
128,000 miles
Temperature guage not working
Replaced coolant temperature sensor (temperature guage still not working)
New plugs (Autolite double platinum)
New Plug Wires

The fuel pump cycles when key is turned on, the engine will turn over fine, there is fire in all of the plugs, I can hear a few cylinder fires before no more attempts to start. I then take out spark plugs to find they are soaked with fuel.

sl33k3r

OK, this is what I found out today.

unplug the coolant sensor (on top of the thermostat housing, btw - coolant sensor works properly) hold accelerator pedal to floor and car will start. Rough idle, but it will start. Plug coolant sensor back in and idle smooths right out.

OR

unplug coolant sensor, short across wiring harness to make sensor believe car is hot and car will start. Again ... rough, but it starts. Plug the sensor back in and engine smooths right out.

What could cause this ... not starting with the coolant sensor plugged in?