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Mazda 323

448 messages,  Last post on Mar 11, 2013 at 12:18 PM

You are in the Mazda 323 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mazda 323, Hatchback

Messages Page 44 of 45

#431 of 448 Overheated 1990 Mazda 323 won't start. by sewardsfolly

Aug 25, 2010 (7:20 pm)

It was a hot day in the bay area......car over heated on the freeway. I could feel the car depowering before I noticed the gauge pegged above the Hot end of the meter.
 
I turned the car off and coasted off the freeway and tried twice to reignite the engine in third gear going about 40 mph. The car sputtered but little or no power. Steam started rising out of the hood as I slowed down. Water appeared all over the engine when I raised the hood.
 
It took the car an hour to cool off.
 
Oil looks OK and the electrical is fine but it will not start. Starter tuns over but there is no sign of ignition at all. The tow truck driver suggested checking to see if the distributor is dry. I don't know how to even begin taking off the cap and my manual for the Mazda 323 is very limited in description.
 
Is it easy to just take off the distributor cap and allow any moisture to dry out? Any thing else I should check?

#432 of 448 Removing Rotors by thacher

Nov 09, 2010 (11:07 pm)

Hi,
   1987, 323, DX.
      How are the front rotors removed from this vehicle. I'm getting conflicting instructions from my Chilton manual. One part says to remove caliper and then just slip the rotors off. Another section is telling me that I have to remove the whole knuckle assembly along with the hub, and bearings, and rotor and bring it in to a machine shop because it involves a bunch of specialized tools. Very confusing!
     Anyone done this job?
                   Thank you,
                      Henry

#433 of 448 Re: Car stopped running-'88 323-cannot find problem-HELP [lurnjac] by scott7904

Nov 19, 2010 (3:40 pm)

Replying to: lurnjac (May 21, 2005 8:54 pm)
I have the same car and problem. I checked and its not getting spark. The plugs are good, the alternator is new, and the cap and wires are new. It did it last year when the weather started to get cold, then this year at the same time. First I replaced the ignition switch and it worked fine through the year for a while. But now its doing it again, just dies for no reason. If I wait for ten minutes it will start back up but then die again. Sometimes I can get to school and back without it dying. Did you ever figure out the problem on yours?

#434 of 448 Re: Car stopped running-'88 323-cannot find problem-HELP [scott7904] by kitkat250

Nov 20, 2010 (2:09 am)

Replying to: scott7904 (Nov 19, 2010 3:40 pm)
I think the problem I had with my 323 was the distributor cap. I think I had it replace. I hope this helps. I no longer have my 323 but it is still out there running. Great Cars.

#436 of 448 Mazda323 Spoiler by aimee323

Dec 02, 2007 (3:00 pm)

Hey, Ive recently bought a mazda 323 n really want 2 spruce it up a bit!! Does anyone know if its possible to get a spoiler 4 a mazda 323????

#437 of 448 310K mileage report by girlcarbuilder

Dec 26, 2011 (12:01 pm)

December 26th, 2011 310,000 mileage report. "89 Mazda 323 hatchback.
 
Still in service. Now currently is being alternated in and out of service every 6 months with the newer cars. Service period is during the winter months. Running 10-15K a year presently.
 
Overall, it has been a good unit but with higher than normal for Japanese vehicle requirements for service. Problem areas recently have been a poor connection that developed in the primary starter system. Negative battery terminal cable to transmission. Added another cable from negative on battery right to a starter motor bolt. It is also difficult to get a decent starter from the supply house. Had to make my own terminals for cable. No big deal there. Fires right up now.
 
Earlier posts show that this car is on second engine and tranny. Engine changed at 140K and tranny at 250K. Swapped tranny for a five speed. That is still the same status. Still on synthetic oil, and next to no oil leaks from engine. Tranny tends to have to have output shafts seals replaced. I still have one on my to do list. 2nd A/c is an aftermarket unit from factoryaire.com. It has to be gassed each beginning of when the heat comes in. A little slime in the older tires....rolling right along. Every else is regular maintenance.
 
Current materials being tested on this vehicle. Slime in one tire. Silicone spray on cv boots.
 
No, I would not buy another Mazda at this point.
 
Other than that, just trying to suck the last good mile out of it.

#438 of 448 No Probs! by thevine

Dec 26, 2011 (1:24 pm)

Still going strong on my end, passed the car onto a friend and they have another 50k plus. Purchased for $550. in 2000 and found this board & girlcarbuilder should be passed on as well. Initially ran fine but, thought I would shop for parts, on the & cheap over time. Some front end parts, timing belt, water pump, wheel bearings, ect knew the starter was a bit weak but, did not like choices locally.Starter only recently died & changed out after a near 100,000 and new radiator-Only probs for new owner. Says tranny seems weak and will not do 75-80 mph freeways...60mph is about comfort top speed where no strain is felt. Auto tranny.
Mainly safety was an issue for myself.

#439 of 448 New Mazda? by thevine

Dec 26, 2011 (1:29 pm)

I have considered a sporty little newer Mazda 3 hatch. Too bad the ford focus has such a lame interior & string wheel set up, or would consider that route as a much cheaper find. No footwork yet as a GEO Prizm aka toyota corolla is top notch current

#440 of 448 Re: New Mazda? [thevine] by girlcarbuilder

Dec 27, 2011 (5:50 am)

Replying to: thevine (Dec 26, 2011 1:29 pm)
I spent 3 years watching the Toyota Yaris hatchback. Engine has a timing chain.....no timing belt changes! WE currently have two in service at 30K. I would suggest reading my remarks on it. It is still high on my list as a purchase.

Messages Page 44 of 45

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