Engine won't turn over - 1998 Mercury Villager

if rotor (this is the one that turns and not the distributor), then its either your starter is broken or you have a drained battery.

also, for worst cases, your timing belt/chain is broken

no your timming belt broke!!! now if you have a interference engine you will need a new car!!!
the only way to know is if you search your year make and engine size of your car..
you better hope its a non interference engine .. than just change the belt.. good luck. this is a basic timming belt photo .

Sluggish engine turnover can be the battery but won't be caused by gas. A problem related to gas would be more apparent after the engine is running.

Won't start as in no rotation of the starter motor and no clicking sound? Or starter turns slowly with the engine? Or the starter and engines turns normally but will not start? Or starter turns normally but engine will not turn?

Hi Scott, What do you mean by 'won't crank?' Is the engine turning on the starter but refusing to start or is the engine failing to crank (turn over). If its the latter, try replacing the battery. If its the first option then send more details and we'll try to help out. Regards John

Must not have been much of a mechanic. If the engine runs and sounds fine sometimes and other times it doesn't then it does not sound like a mechanical problem with the engine. Sounds more like a issue with either the ignition system or fuel system.

Pump or injectors may be bad .

If the engine won't fire up, but your starter turns over, you may want to check your timing unless you have a check engine light on. If the CEL light is on, have the codes scanned.

If the engine won't turn over with the starter or it clicks, have your battery tested at autozone or advanced auto parts. Replace the battery if it is bad. Else, have your starter tested.

If the engine still won't turn over and the battery and starter are tested fine, you may have a blown fuse, bad ignition switch, or a failed relay.

If the engine fires up but randomly dies and starts back up, you either have a failed sensor, failing fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, bad plugs or wires, or a failing ECU.

I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_69f3cc28d95bf514

check starter