Engine Stalling

o4_boyracer_no1_o5 · August 22nd, 2006, 1:05 pm

Hi there im totally new to mazdas although as im a mechanic i still kno engines inside out now hears the thing though i bough a 1994 mazda mx-3 1.8 v6 thinking might aswell as the car was really nice half leather etc and is really comfy inside...love them although ive got al the parts to get it on the road only problem ive got is sometime when i go straight ahead it goes to stall but doesnt when i go to turn to the right it cuts out although when i turn to the left it fine....ive looked under the bonnet to listen for any hissin noises or anything slack dissy's fine ht leads and spark plus are fairly knew.....its just to see if any of use guys have any idea what the problem might be.....thanx

ariesdude · Post by **ariesdude** » August 23rd, 2006, 11:57 am

It either the fuel pressure regulator or the fuel pump - I have the same exact problem in my car. If this happens only when the gas level is 1/4th or lower then its the fuel pump - When you turn right the fuel in the tank moves away from the pump and the pump is clogged or too weak to suck it back quickly.
If it happens no matter what the gas level is (as in my case) then its the regulator i think. I have yet to solve the problem.....

Tunes67 · Post by **Tunes67** » August 23rd, 2006, 12:01 pm

I bet its likely that you have already checked & replaced your respective fuel filters? I realize this is probably one of those no need to mention things.. but just in case. Cheers

Tunes67

o4_boyracer_no1_o5 · August 23rd, 2006, 12:16 pm

thanx....ive not got much of a clue iwht the 1.8 v engines i had a feeling it might have been an air flow regulator the car its self doesnt go as quick as what i wouldve though i has ruffle 150,000miles on the clock i was thinking the fuel pump because when its below quarter it idles no problems but when i go to pull away....it just chucks it and it only cuts out when i turn right especially if i go up a hill but do you wreckon if i change the fual pump it would be ok....? and in regards the the fuel filter were can i find it....as im knew to mazda's ima bit thick lol but fine with everything else.....just the car feels sluggish aswell.....it has the k8 inlet manifold (not straight) white with half leather interior really nice....

o4_boyracer_no1_o5 · August 23rd, 2006, 12:19 pm

infact ariesdude i'd say you were correct but why would the regular do it when only turning to the right and i 'd say yeah it s weak as to have not much power in it....but does still pull very well

ariesdude · Post by **ariesdude** » August 23rd, 2006, 12:53 pm

The only theory i have is that the regulator mechanism is defective (something is broken and moving around) which makes the fuel rail loose pressure on hard right turns.

Since yours happen at quarter tank levels - most likely its the fuel pump and/or fuel filters. There is a main fuel filter under the hood below the brake booster (its a beech to get to) and there is a fuel strainer attached to the pump in the fuel tank. You can access the fuel pump assembly if you take the rear seat off. Try changing the filters first - if that doesnt help then go for the pump. The fuel tank does have a drain valve underneath - so it might be a good idea to flush the tank to get rid of all the muck in there (before you change fuel filters),

jschrauwen · Post by **jschrauwen** » August 23rd, 2006, 7:47 pm

Not to knock and please don't take this the wrong way, but your opening and subsequent posts were a real bugger to understand. Spelling and grammar was so "out there" that it was quite difficult to actually understand the points you were trying to make and some of it I still don't understand. But no matter, on to the task at hand.
I'll 3rd the nomination for fuel filter. Mainly because it's the cheapest solution, secondly, unless you have a complete history of it's maintenance record, then I'd strongly suggest replacing the fuel filter. As ariesdude has said it's located under the brake booster and it's actually attached to the top of the transmission close to the firewall and in tight toward the engine itself. It'll be necessary to remove the battery to effectively get at it.
Another point to remember, most may find that their MX's don't correctly give the most accurate fuel level readings. Don't know why, but it appears to be a common evolution if the fuel tank or fuel pump has never been serviced or replaced before - like mine. It still works just fine but when it says it's at 1/2 a tank it's more like a little over a 1/4. When I fill to the very top of the tank per say, my fuel level indicator will actually go slightly higher than the full mark. It will stay there for the first 160km to 180km and then start to go down - rather quickly. So if you have or the previous owner routinely drove the car to near empty or even just a 1/4 tank before fill-ups, than it's a very good bet that the fuel system has sucked in a lot of junk and crap that will eventually build up in a 12+ year old car.
I'd put a new fuel filter on, run some good fuel system cleaner through for the first few tank fulls and perhaps even run 94 octane and see if the performance issues improve.
Failing this to solve or improve your situation, then I'd focus on the fuel pump, then Fuel pressure regulator and then fuel rails, in that order.
And just on spec I'll suggest that you take a very very good inspection of the intake snorkel between the TB and the VAF. Check the ribbing for any slight indication of cracks or splits. If there is, you'll have to tend to that right away as your problems will gradually get worse.
Hope this helps,

John

Ramdao · Post by **Ramdao** » August 24th, 2006, 11:13 am

Hi! this have nothing to do with the fuel system. it's an electrical failure, a cable must be broken or either rubbing against the chassis at the engine bay,

you said when it's tur to the right it does stalls well, do a visual chek to

neg batt cable, an so on, then tell us what did you find.

Ramdao · Post by **Ramdao** » August 24th, 2006, 11:16 am

look for broken or rusted conections, you will be surprised

o4_boyracer_no1_o5 · August 24th, 2006, 1:07 pm

problem solved i got another fuel pump out a scrap yard....everythin is ok now, got one out of a 92 model with 100,ooo miles on the clock and its running like a dream and is going alot quicker so problem solved if the the gas is over 1/4 and stalls or even when you go to move of when is under 1/4 its the fuel pump.....just for future reference as to the help with the guy that had the same problem as me it is the fuel pressure regultor it is the fual pump as i spoke to someone with the same problem....and he explained what he done....i.e changed the fuel pump...

o4_boyracer_no1_o5 · August 24th, 2006, 1:10 pm

and as the moderator asked...about the service it has been serviced by mazda twice a year from brand new

ariesdude · Post by **ariesdude** » August 24th, 2006, 3:41 pm

Glad your problem is solved -
I put in a brand new pump - didnt help at all - thats why i am thinking fuel regulator.

o4_boyracer_no1_o5 · August 25th, 2006, 3:38 pm

well with the regulator it would start but it would stall constantly