Hi: I have a 93 323 w/ 1.6. It runs fine when it runs but isn't reliable. right now it won't start. when it started giving trouble, it would fire occasionally while cranking, the firing grows closer together till it runs nice for several minutes. then it dies again (repeat). the fuel pump works and there is no code. what does it all mean!?

 

I can give you possibilities but it is up to you to diagnose it. Ignition coil/fuel pressure regulator/fuel pump (they can work yet not pump fuel if the check valve sticks due to a bad pressure regulator) distributor cap/rotor/plug wires/plugs/igniter/pickup coil/sticking air flow meter flap/cracked throttlebody to air cleaner hose/partially clogged converter. The ignition coil is likely 22 years old. I would replace that for sure.

 

Thanks Hixx. I think you're right about the coil, the timing light doesn't flash for long periods (sometimes) even though there's spark & the engine s running, that seems like weak spark, or maybe the timing light ($12 in 1975) is fading too. I'll pick up a coil/igniter & see what happens.
Bill

 

I don't think I would fork money out on an igniter just yet. They can be seriously expensive. A rebuilt distributor is actually cheaper if a coil does not fix it. An ignitor will not cause a weak spark condition. A coil will though.

 

Fixed. it was the ecu I'd switched in, may have been my fault though. I'd checked for codes in low light after I ran it and put the jumper wire in the wrong hole. the wire smoked & burned in two. I found the old ecu in the trash & switched them to test before I bought a new pickup coil. runs good now w/ no codes. apparently an ailing coil can cause a #26.

there doesn't seem to be many aftermarket parts for 323 mazda in the usa. I found one that looks the same in Bulgaria at this site

SPECTROMATIC LTD: J821 ignition module T2T53571 MAZDA 323 MX-3 XEDOS 6