1988 323 valve cover gasket/starting problems
 

I recently replaced the valve cover gasket on my 1988 Mazda 323. Since then, I have problems starting the car whenever the engine is cold. It won't even turn over. It's a stick, so I can push start it when I do have problems. If I warm it up, it starts just fine. It seems like a starter issue, but it's very ironic it suddenly crapped out when I replaced the gasket. Does anyone know anything else I can try before I spend the money to replace it?

is it turning over slow ???? when you try to start it . if so good chance its a bad conection from the battire ., check it with jump leads .. on to the engine cover to the battire then .. with the negtive to the frame and see if that turns over perfect then ?? if so then its your leads... failing that my be the bushed in the starter motor,. sprigit bush . or how ever you spell it lol.

same problems
 

I tried a new starter and solenoid and no luck. I can hear the starter click when I turn the key and the lights dim, but it won't turn over. I looked for any shorts going to the battery and to the starter, but I see nothing. If I turn the key enough times, it usually will start eventually.

try jumping it from another car from cold and see if it starts OK - if it does your battery is likely the problem

spriget bush then .. you maybe able to change it by takeing the starter motor off. if your lucky . failing that its a gear box off job ... take the starter motor off and have a look in to see if its split. in there . if so see if you can get it out and hopefully you can replace easy enought. if you dont know where or what just ask and i will take my starter motor off and take a photo of it and make it then post pic on here to you ..