1989 Mazda 323 will not start

MARKSEIBEL

MEMBER
1989 MAZDA 323
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL

1989 Mazda 323 will not start. Turns over fine but will not start. Has been driving great with no problems. Only thing that has been wrong is the gas gauge has not been working right. Once in a blue moon the gauge will go up when I stop at a light but then go back down when I take off. I put gas in it just in case it was that but I know it had plenty in it. But it still wont start. Is there a fuse for the pump or could it be a relay issue or what? When cranking. Smell fuel. Could it be not getting spark? I have not much money and need my car working. Please help

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Do below to determine if its compression, fuel and spark problem:

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, Do you hear the fuel pump come On when you turn key on? If not check fuel pump fuse and fuel pump relay if okay-check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, cap and rotor, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it and keep testing

If both fuel and spark is present-check the valve and ignition timing, this will lead you to problems
with compression and valves opening and closing at the wrong time/broken or jumped timing
belt/chain.