1990 mazda 323 firing order and timing

[Bell]

When I try to start my mazda it would stay running if I held the gas pedal to the floor and as soon as I let the gas off a little it would cutt off. Had someone look at it and I don't think he knew what he was doing; I thing he messed up the firing order and timing. The distributor has been changed. Does anyone know the firing order and the timing specs. There is compression and spark but will not run. I'm ready to pull my hair out. :( I would really appreciate of someone could help me
Thanks,
Bell

[Mr T]

THere is a emmisions label either on the underside of your hood, or on a shock tower. Sometimes it has it there.

A shop manual will have it.

Autozone if you have one nearby can tell you what it is. Ive had them print out little information sheets on their receipt paper before.

On most cars, the plug wires only reach 1 plug and the cylinder numbers may be printed on the distributer. Cylinder 1 is usually closest to the timing belt.

Your engine is most likley interference style. Be carefull when you mess with your firing order. It is possible that you could knock your timing off. If you make your belt jump too far you will do very serious damage to your engine.

[Mr T]

Also, check your fuel pressure (some autozones will loan you a fuel pressure gauge), and change the fuel filter if it has never been changed. Ive had cars do similar stuff when there is a problem with fuel getting to the engine.

[Unregistered]

Thanks so much for your reply,
Just have another question; I think the distributor that was replaced is from a higher year; does the distributor have to be exact for the year the car is.

[Mr T]

It could have different specs then the one you need. But if it was wrong the car wouldnt even start, miss very badly, or make 4 quick snapping sounds, then be dead to the world (as the inside of your cap is stripped)

Check with your favorite auto parts store. Have them look up the part for your car, and the part for the car you think it was from.. see if the #'s match

[Roger]

This is your firing order....


This sounds like a classic idle air valve failure not timing. Have someone check to see if your engine has a idle air valve, it usually mounts on the intake and has a wire coinnector to recieve signals from the EECIV. I can't remember if the 1990 323 has this valve, if so I'm betting that is your problem . Take it off and get some carburator cleaner and give it a good cleaning. Sometimes this will do the trick.