1997 maxima issues

[Aaron's Maxima]

I have a 97 maxima that last week started to hard start with black smoke at the tail pipe. Now I can only cranks the engine but will not start. I could use some input on this issue.

thanksAaron

[MaximA32]

I'm going to assume that the battery is good because you say it cranks but it won't start. Have you checked spark at the coils? Do you have the ability to make sure that fuel is being delivered to the cylinders? It sounds like a fuel delivery problem but the smoke indicates that maybe it is not getting spark and the fuel not being burned is being blown out of the exhaust. I would check for spark and maybe pull the 3 accesible spark plugs and make sure they're not fouled out (coated with unburnt gas and smelling of gas) and also, check the gap on them as well.