Car cranks, starts but won't idle

2005 FORD BANTAM
95,000 MILES • 1.6L • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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LIETA MOKOENA
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Hi

The car has spark, fuel pump works (I know by a slight whistling sound it makes when fuel is available) but won't run. It cranks good, tries to run, then dies. I have seen spark plugs get wet with gas, and they are covered with black material on the electrodes. All show similar signs.

There is also a burning smell when I open a valve cover, which I suspect comes from them plugs. I wondered if there is an oil leak into them as others suggested, but I would rather see if I am missing an electrical issue before I have to head south.
Any help is highly appreciated.
Aug 25, 2016 at 10:53 PM
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RENEE L
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Lets start with a compression test to see if the engine is okay, here is a guide that will get you started.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

let us know what you find
Aug 31, 2016 at 2:55 PM
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LIETA MOKOENA
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Hi

Yesterday I took out the throttle body, cleaned it with a carb spray, then I increased the idle level this morning. Now it has acceleration issues, and the idle has some skipping, a misfire if I may say.
I had to rest since I took a whole day on it (went as far as taking out the dash)
Thanks for the suggestion, I will look into it if after new spark plugs there's no change.
Sep 4, 2016 at 4:17 PM
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STRAILER
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It sounds like the engine may have jumped time. But before we check that lets do that compression test to make sure the engine is okay first, you can rent a gauge from the auto parts store.
Sep 5, 2016 at 9:43 AM