Have a 74 S with an 80 SC engine in it. Car sat for many years and when I got it around 3-4 years ago, it was one thing after another mainly within the fuel and ignition system. But for the past year, thought I was clear and the car was sorted. Well, these cars can throw curve *****. Took the car out for short drive the other day, was running great once it warmed up, outside temp was maybe in the mid 40s. About 15 - 20 min in, I heard an odd popping sounds in the higher RPMs in 1st and then in 2nd gear. It didn't sound like a cold start back fire but almost a crackling sound. Got the car home, still ran well on the way with no loss of power but I avoided any RPMs over 5k. Car was idling well, no new smells or sounds. Once I was safe at home, revved it past 5k, no problem and no sounds. Parked the car, let it cool, now it won't start. Cranks well but won't catch. With a lot of cranking, the interior starts to smell of gasoline. When I switch the ignition, I hear the buzz from the CDI (which was replaced about 2 years ago), and suspect the fuel smell and the other sounds from the engine bay are the fuel pump. Nothing looks disconnected, battery is charged. The last work that was done on it was a new fuel distributer and WUR last year. Accumulator and check valve also replaced about 2 years ago. Spark or fuel problem? Any suggestions or simple explanations?

 

Check for spark while cranking engine.