So my 89 GL drove home perfectly yesterday, then decided it wouldn't start today. The fuel tank is full, I checked the fuel pump relay, which is very nice and shiny. One switch does not come on, but I don't know if it is the relay or something else that controls it. Either way, even when I press this switch to on, the fuel pump runs but the car still won't start.

I'm wondering if it could be any electronic controllers or the dist. cap. The coil was replaced only a few months ago.

Something that may be of use - there was a greasy short in two wires near the coil and electronics on the left hand side, which was fixed. This had caused the engine to crank and if it did start, it ran badly/lights flickered. This is fixed now, but could it have damaged something?

What I've checked:

- Fuses, none are blown, seem to be in good contact. Wires are very clean, no corrosion issues.
- Fuel pump relay, seems OK, won't replace unless still doesn't work after problem fix.
- At least one fuel pump works, I don't know which one or whether both are going. I assume I can hear the one outside the fuel tank.
- Re-checked the coil to see if touching or pushing wires.
- Checking to see if cam turns, just in case. It does.
- I can smell a slight fuel smell after trying to start, but see no fuel dripping anywhere. Probably just from air being pushed through the exhaust.

What I think it could be:

- An ECU (what is this??) or crank sensor if there is one.
- A problem with the spark/ignition, something that can "blow" might have done so.
- Maybe one fuel pump is not working.
- A new short.
- If there is a 25A fuse near the coil, it might have blown, but I can't find one.

The car has been well looked after, has ~316,000 kms, no smoke, slight piston slap in one cylinder, uses little oil and the battery/alternator is good. Hardly any dirt/dust inside engine bay for an old car.

Any thoughts/suggestions on what might be causing this problem?