A friend bought a 240 that hadn't run for several years. Previous owner's story "Drove it daily; became hard to start; then wouldn't start; son replaced some parts: it ran but wouldn't idle, then wouldn't start, then wouldn't turn over."

1. Not turning over: Starter was new - receipt in glove box - and worked well on bench. There was no continuity in lead from battery to starter - Haven't cut it open yet to investigate. Replaced cable and cleaned up ground at block.

2. Engine turned over but main fuel pump not working in car or on bench. Replaced main pump and filter, tank, and in-tank pump & connector hose.

3. No start. CPS was new. Had spark and fuel. Replaced wires, plugs, vac hoses, misc. Timing OK. Replaced timing belt and tensioner. Compression OK. Got it to start but it ran rough and flooded out.

4. Tests showed a bad (pink label) ECU. Replaced and car runs fine.

Relationship among these failures? I'd guess that the starter was working hard because of a failing positive cable and weak ground at the engine block. The main fuel pump was overworked because of the failed in-tank pump. The no-start could have been from failing grounds on the intake manifold + a failing ECU. And of course things would have deteriorated while it was parked.
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240 drivers / parts cars - JH, Ohio