1990 Ford Tempo ignition problems

I posted on another part of this, but thought this might be more appropriate...

would it be possible to hook my car up to some sort of "diagnostic" wonder machine and discover where the problem lies in the ignition?
It ran last week...just has problems starting...new battery...new wires, plugs,
runs like a top when it's running, but doesn't seem to be firing...
had it in the shop but because the mechanic acted like he didn't have a clue what was causing the problem, and since changing the plugs, etc. didn't fix the problem, i wasn't exactly motivated to "authorize" him to continue the fishing expedition...at my expense...i live in Minnesota...suburb of the twin cities...any wizards out there who are nearby and want to give it a shot?

  Minnesandy