1992 Mazda 929 Will Not Run

1992 MAZDA 929
Avatar
PJBRUCHS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Last summer I was driving the interstate, 70mph, and my Mazda 929 just quit running. I checked the timing belts, they are fine. Unfortunately, since I cannot start it at all, I cannot diagnose any other systems...such as the computer. This engine has approximately 129,000 miles on it...was always well maintained. I have checked everything mechanically that I can; everything looks good. I really didn't want to go out and spend a couple hundred dollars on a computer to see if that was the problem.
Please advise,
Pat
Feb 13, 2006 at 6:43 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
COSMO
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 347 POSTS
Timing belts??? Are you sure your not looking at the alt. p/s and a/c belts? HAve you had the timing belt changed? If you want ot know if the timing belt is still attached, remove the dist. cap and crank the engine over, if the rotor doesn't turn you've got a t-belt problem. If it does turn you might have a dist. problem.

cosmo..Mazda tech
Feb 13, 2006 at 10:38 AM
Avatar
PJBRUCHS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
[quote:0242ae0926="Cosmo"]Timing belts??? Are you sure your not looking at the alt. p/s and a/c belts? HAve you had the timing belt changed? If you want ot know if the timing belt is still attached, remove the dist. cap and crank the engine over, if the rotor doesn't turn you've got a t-belt problem. If it does turn you might have a dist. problem.

cosmo..Mazda tech[/quote:0242ae0926]

I'll give it a shot. I actually had a repair person remove the DOHC covers to inspect the timing belts...he said they were ok. He also said it would cost a minimum of $2,000 to troubleshoot and repair whatever problem there is.
Thanks, again...Pat
Feb 13, 2006 at 11:12 AM
Avatar
COSMO
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 347 POSTS
Well there is a good chance that you have had a distributor failure.

Cosmo...Mazda Tech
Feb 13, 2006 at 9:49 PM
Avatar
PJBRUCHS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks,
I'll pick a distributor up today to check it out. Since it hasn't been started since last July, any thoughts on what I should do to minimize any startup friction to this dry engine?
Please advise,
Thanks,
Pat
Feb 13, 2006 at 10:43 PM
Avatar
RPVIEIRA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
All you need to do before cranking that dry motor is pull out each spark plug and put a few drops of oil into the hole. A teaspoon's worth should be plenty. This will lubricate your cylinder walls in the combustion chamber enough to minimize wear should there be any corosion on the cylinder walls. You will, of course, get a bit of blue smoke after starting, but it will quickly disipate.
Apr 6, 2006 at 10:54 AM
🔧 Tools & Auto Repair Parts
Find automotive tools, diagnostic equipment, and replacement parts for your next repair.
Shop on Amazon →
Paid affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Suggested Repair

Remove the distributor cap and crank the engine. If the rotor does not turn, the timing belt is not driving the distributor. If it does turn, distributor failure is likely and the distributor should be checked or replaced.

Conversation Summary

A 1992 Mazda 929 quit at highway speed and would not restart. The owner had the timing belts inspected under the DOHC covers and was told they looked fine. A Mazda technician advised removing the distributor cap and cranking the engine: no rotor movement indicates a timing belt problem, while rotor movement points to a distributor problem, which the technician considered likely. Before starting the long-sitting engine, another reply suggested adding a small amount of oil through each spark plug hole to lubricate the cylinder walls.

Related Repair Questions

Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle