when I try to start the car, the engine chugs but does not start. there is a new battery; it appears to be getting juice.
So you either have no fuel or no spark. let us know which one.
could it be the fuel pump?
Yes, it could be lack of fuel, or low fuel pressure. Now, whatcha gonna do? Measure the FUEL pressure?
Edited. The word “sure” replaced with the word “FUEL”.
Everyone should have these 2 things to narrow down a non running car.
A can of name brand starting fluid with straw. Follow black round tube from air cleaner to the motor and loosen at motor and spray, then try to start. If it starts trouble is fuel related.
To check spark use this between plug wire and plug.
ADD THIS TO LAST POST
Add this to last post.
http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=spark+checker&Submit=Go
hd72mm,
You can edit (change) your last post by clicking on the pencil in the lower right hand corner, EDIT, Submit. Try it. You’ll like it!