My GF has a 2000 Mazda 323 Astina hatch. 1.6l manual. 150,000km. Owned since 2001. Regularly serviced by the local workshop (and some bits by me).
It starts well, idles slightly lumpy but not terrible (she says it's always been like that). It drives well and revs to redline without issue. Generally it's used for local short trips but we have taken it out to Orange, Mudgee, etc
Problem: It stops dead after 30-40 minutes. In January on one of those 40c+ days it died after 9km of driving. I went and had a look (got there in 2 minutes). The engine turns but doesn't show any signs of firing. There was no spark at #1 plug. 10 minutes after I got there it fired to life as if nothing had happened.
1 week ago it did the same after about 10km / 40 mins in stop/start traffic while going through the Harbour Tunnel. It restarted about 1 minute after it stopped.
Yesterday while I was driving it did it again. I'd driven about 17km, the last 2 km idling along in heavy traffic. It was idling fine at the lights and the moment I started around the corner it gave a few splutters and died. It restarted after 5 minutes and drove just fine again. I was buy myself and couldn't check for spark.
Spark plugs were done at 140k.
In-tank fuel filter 142k - I DIY'd this and really wasn't happy about how the fuel pump mated with the filter.
I'd rather not fire the parts cannon at it. The way it initially dies suggests fuel starvation but the lack of any spark or sign of "catching" suggests ignition issues.
I have no idea how to read the codes on this. I don't think it's OBD2 compliant.
Any thoughts?
Fuel Injectors
Fuel Pump
Low Fuel Pressure
Oxy Sensor (super common in Mazda's)
EGR Valvle
When i was working at my old job at a workshop (i was in office mind you) these were the common repairs that solved the exact issue you are having.
Which one it is… well that needs a scan for engine codes. Take it to a mechanic they will probably be able to scan it and give you the codes (they will prob charge you for the scan)
Your issue def sounds Fuel / Fuel -O2 Mix Related