96 SL2 crank, no start
 

Ok so I have a 96 SL2 with around 150k on the clock. Its been leaking/burning oil for a while now and I've finally gotten off my lazy ass to take care of it. I checked the plugs, lo and behold numbers 1, 2, and 3 were covered in oil.... I figured thats why I had a misfire codes, so I replaced the valve cover gasket/grommets, plugs (gapped of course) and wires. Now the car won't start. I did a compression check, and cylinder 3 will only hold around 50 psi (the others are near 200 still!) So I know there is a problem in the one cylinder - but then why did it run all the way up till now? I know it'll run on 3 cylinders, like garbage, but will still run. Is there something I'm missing? Its got spark, fuel, and for the most part compression. Crank sensor maybe? I know its not timing because it wouldn't have held compression if the chain or tensioner broke. Any common areas for failure I've missed?

Your thread says you changed both plugs and wires. No offense intended, but are you SURE you got the right wiring scheme when you put everything back? One cylinder bad/misfiring and you might still run (yeah, like garbage), but if you got two swapped, the spark would look good, and the fuel would be there, but it'll never start/run.

Bottom line --> grab your manual and recheck your work thoroughly

Thanks but yes. I have All Data and have searched various internet sites. Firing order is correct.

If you have spark and fuel then CPS is likely fine.

Were the plug wells full of oil or were the plug tips coated in oil?
What kind of plugs n wires did you use?

I can indeed corroborate that an s car can be driven around quite peppily (not really) on 3 cyls pretty much indefinitely (highway driving not recommended)

I'm a doofus. I pinched the power wire to injector 4 between the valve cover and head. Pop goes the fuse! Haha, thanks guys :) You are right on the peppiness though, I pulled it into the shop on 3 cylinders to top the oil of (of course) and it pulled forward just fine. I think the valve cover was the biggest part of the oil consumption/leaking though....