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93 Mazda: sometimes difficult to start

This doesn't happen all the time.

However, sometimes after my car has been sitting for a couple of hours, it is difficult to start.

1) it turns over -- starter works and it is getting power

2) I keep doing trying to start it carefully, let's say 4 or 5 times for a total of 45 seconds or so and then it starts.

3) then the problem goes away for a day or so and then comes back at random times, typically when it is cooler outside

This started within a week after I installed a new catalytic converter.

Question: Does anyone have any ideas on what might be going wrong?

The battery is strong, and in the 11 years I've owned the car I've never had a problem with it starting. The wires are relatively new, as are the plugs...

Reply to
Frank
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Look to your fuel injection system for possible problems. First, unless it's been done receintly, replace the fuel filter, just on principal. Then, check the fuel pressure. Fuel injected cars have to have a certain fuel pressure or they won't run. Two likely culprits are the fuel pump itself, and the fuel pressure regulator. Either may be weakened from age, and not doing their job right which could cause intermittent problems, especially when starting because the system has to build up the right pressure before the injectors will start working.

Cheers, Walt

Reply to
WJ

Presuming that there's a connection between the cat replacement and the problems, I'd look hard at the O2 sensor - it could have been banged about while they were in there replacing the cat. Otherwise, standard plugs/plug wires checks....

Reply to
FrinkLemur

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