200 won't start

[Calvin Krug]

Well, my good old hard starting problem seems to have matured into a 
full blown NO START.  I had to borrow the neighbor's Suzuki Samurai 
to get to work this morning.  This is not a good solution.  So, I 
need to get the 200 running.  I'm checking SJM's site, and one of the 
things it says to do is to check for fault codes.  However, my check 
engine light seems to be dead.  Bulb seems to be fine, but it won't 
light when I turn on the ignition.  Can I access this signal from 
somewhere else, such as the computer?  I'm thinking that this wiring 
may have been damaged at some point in the past.
Assuming I can't get the codes, what are the most likely suspects? 
It cranks fine, but is unwilling to fire.  Sometimes I can get one 
cylinder or two to go, and with a little manipulation of the 
throttle, get it to keep itself spinning.  As it approaches 1000 rpm, 
I have to let off, or it will die. If I'm lucky, it will pick up the 
rest of the cylinders about this time and gain revs.  If this 
happens, and I get it to about 2000 rpm, it smoothes out and runs 
fine.  Otherwise, it dies again.  Some days, I've spent 20 or 30 
minutes trying to get it started. Other times, first twist of the 
key, it fires right up.  It seems that if the car has been sitting 
overnight or all day, or just driven a couple of miles and not fully 
warmed up, the problem crops up a little more often, but it can 
happen under any circumstances.  Any suggestions?  Oh, it's an early 
'89, single knock sensor car (#000201) if that helps.

Calvin Krug