Expert: Sean Halliday - 12/2/2007

Question
my daugther has a 1988 mx6 Mazda. she drove to the store this morning and when she came out cart will not start, was working fine when went to store.the lights radio etc work so we don't think it is the battery, can you help. it has rebuilt engine that has 110,000 miles (i think thats what she said)

Answer
The engine turns over ok?.Could be either fuel or spark so you have to determine which first as it will eliminate many components that cause this no start problem.There are so many reasons and procedures that have to be looked at it would be impossible to list all of them here so you need to narrow the problem down.From experience on these cars it may be the ignition which is a common fault.Distributor dampness if it has been raining or simply worn out.I would look for spark first by removing one wire from the plug and use a new plug by inserting it in the plug wire ,then earth it to the cyclinder head. Crank the engine if you get a good spark then its most likely your fuel pump./system.