G'day all,

First post here

Needing some help with my Mazda Protege 323 2001 which has an issue with almost immediately dying on a cold start. I almost have to floor the accelerator after a few cranks in order to get the engine somewhat idling. The issue gets slightly better as the engine warms up but still with a rough idle until driven about 5 mins and then seems to idle around the 1250 - 1300rpm mark. Sometimes after a 15-20 min drive the car will struggle to start too. But eventually does after a few tries.

I MUST mention that the rough idle happens towards the lower end between 500-200rpm and the car shudders and dies. I crank again and this repeats a few times before the car warms up and then I'm sorta good to drive her.

What I've done so far:
* Cleaned the MAF sensor with Mass Airflow cleaner (But forgot to check for buildup along the intake hosing of the sensor)
* Sprayed Carb cleaner into the intake for the IAC
* Tried to adjust the idle timing - thinking a higher idle might help but it didn't
* Replaced spark plugs & about to replace the ignition coils too
*Tried looking for a vaccum leak but unable to find anything (Using my ear to a hose with a funnel at the other end)

Would be great if I can get anyone to please help! Will updat if I have missed anything else.

Cheers
Jake

 

Is your idle fixed?

 

Nope, still idling rough until warmed up. Cold morning starts are the worst. I often get blue smoke at startup, followed by white smoke. Then I'm good to go.

 

Is your idle fixed?

 

The blue smoke is telling you time to check the compression both dry and wet and do a cylinder leak down test.

White smoke if it dissipates in the air is normal but if it is true smoke then the above ^^^^^^^^^.