Our 89 Mazda Familia (1.3 litre, DOHC, auto, fuel injected) decided not to start yesterday (after many months of reliable running)
I've checked the following: Dizzie Cap - tidied up not too bad nick Spark plugs & leads - spark getting to all plugs Petrol getting to cylinders - not too little/much Contaminants in the oil - nil Exhaust - Dry with some carbon buildup Water - was a little low - no sign of cracked head gasket Cam belt - a ok (Was changed 40,000 kms ago) (Both cams turning) Compression - don't have a tester but a rudimentary check the cylinders appear ok Air filter - good condition Throttle butterfly - working in good order Have checked alternator/water pump/power steering pump and all seem in good nick.
WhenI go to start it (jump start from ute as battery a little low) it sounds like its almost tryingto fire up but wont. I have tried throttle wide open for a bit to see if it it was flooded but no joy.
Also tried with no throttle and again no joy.
When it turns over, it doesn't turn smooth, ok at first then stop/go (has always been a little like this.
When turn over no sign of moisture out the exhaust but there is a little black carbon (posssibly unburnt fuel!)
Any ideas what the problem could be would be great
family007,
Apr 14, 7:54pm
Have you checked no water has gotten into the cylinders! My Mazda familia decided to start roughly and idle at a ridiculous 200-500rpm from cold. Once I did get it started I have to drive hard, thrashing the engine to keep it going! Going down the motorway with overdrive on/off/on/off etc etc. My partner checked the engine as it was idling in the driveway, pulling out each lead and sparkplug one at a time until number two was pulled out and the engine stopped. He looked in the bottomof the cylinder and there was moisture. Wiped it out with a paper towel and bingo, all good again.!
beast9,
Apr 14, 8:36pm
do an ohms test on your spark plug leads as it could be to weak under pressure if the lead has to higher resistance ie = 12 inch lead 2k ohm ok 6 k ohm bad if this is the case replace all leads
pieman33h,
Apr 15, 2:43am
just had a similar problem with a mazda 323, tho had no spark, turned out to be the ignition module needed replacing, also check the main engine fuse, if this is blown it will not idle or start very well at all,
Good luck, bloody frustrating trying to find the mystery gremlin!
snoopy221,
Apr 15, 2:51am
I've checked the following: Dizzie Cap - tidied up not too bad nick Spark plugs & leads - spark getting to all plugs Petrol getting to cylinders - not too little/much Well the basic be all and end all of that lilll'story. IS.
Leave the plugs out-wind er over a bit- wait an hour or so-. Preferably leave plugs outside in the sun. If plugs look good lean and dry-refit and try 2 start er.
[This petrol-not too little-not too much-well if it ain't a runnin-tain't long before it's
too much.
and flooded]-Kapeesh!
jimliz1,
Apr 15, 5:19am
No I don't think so as normally it starts first pop with no throttle what so ever. And if it was flooded holding the throttle open wide short normally allow to start within a short time - its something different - not sure just what yet
skin1235,
Apr 15, 5:59am
pop a timing light on it and check I suspect it has jumped a tooth on the belt, and with any luck this should pick it up
elect70,
Apr 15, 10:17pm
^^^ um doesnt it need to be running !
skin1235,
Apr 15, 11:41pm
definitely not, in fact better if it isn't, sure will tell you if the timning is now retarded to hell
jimliz1,
Apr 16, 2:52am
Good idea - I will try this tommorrow
gmphil,
Apr 16, 3:20pm
When starting u mention stop go ,sounds like its kicking back +1 for checking timing
ceebee2,
Apr 16, 11:29pm
If you suspect valve timing I would not crank the engine but remove the top cam cover and turn by hand and check properly. If its the twin cam you can bend a lot of valves.
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