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1998 Mazda 626 running ruff, check engine light on
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plsmoothy
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Mar 20, 2009, 2:08 PM
Post #1 of 6
(3915 views)
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1998 Mazda 626 running ruff, check engine light on
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Hi guys. It's me again with yet another problem with my '98 Mazda 626, 4 cylinder 2.0 with 139,000 miles.
A couple of days ago I ran my fuel level down to the lowest point I have ever dared to. I seriously thought I was gonna stall out somewhere. Got to the gas station, filled her up and I was on my way. A while later I noticed that when I was idle at a light, the engine sounded like it was misfiring or something. It wasn't running rough, it would just kinda pause for an instant and then continue. It only happened when I was idle. As I continued driving it got worse. It finally reached a point where it got really bad and then the check engine light came on and the car started running really rough. Also, the exhaust smells different. It starts up just fine and it doesn't stall out ... it just runs rough.
Broke out my Haynes manual and did some troubleshooting. The spark is being delivered to all 4 pistons. Removed the electrical connector to fuel injector 1 and there was no change at all in the running condition. Removed the electrical connectors to fuel injectors 2,3 and 4 and the car practically stalled out. Applied auto stethoscope to fuel injector one and I could hear it ticking away. I removed the electrical connector to injector 1 while the stethoscope was applied and I could hear it come on and off. Tested the other 3 injectors and I could hear them come on and off as well. It seems like fuel injector 1 is working but it might be totally clogged up. Am I on the right track? If so, is that something I can repair myself?
As always, you're advice is greatly appreciated ... thanks!
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Loren Champlain Sr
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/ Moderator
Mar 20, 2009, 3:42 PM
Post #2 of 6
(3908 views)
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Re: 1998 Mazda 626 running ruff, check engine light on
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plsmoothy; Sounds like to me that you are on the right track. As I'm sure you are aware, water is heavier than gasoline, as is debris. When you let the tank get that low, it's very possible that you've sucked up something from the bottom of the tank that has been lying in wait. It's also entirely possible that it is completely coincidental.
You can try injector cleaner, but if it's plugged, will probably take more than just the stuff you can pour into the fuel tank. There are a couple of possibilities, if it is actually plugged. You can have an injector cleaning done or remove the injectors and have them cleaned. And, keep your fingers crossed. You may want to do some diagnosing, first, though. If the injector is plugged, that means no, or very little, fuel is getting to that cylinder. A gas analyzer would show low HC if that is the case. If fuel IS getting to the cylinder, you'll see high HC. Also, ohm check each injector. Just because it 'clicks' doesn't mean it's actually working.
Loren
SW Washington
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
Mar 21, 2009, 8:57 AM
Post #3 of 6
(3904 views)
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Re: 1998 Mazda 626 running ruff, check engine light on
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Loren ... thanks for the reply. A couple of follow up questions. Can I buy a gas analyzer or should I take it to a local shop? Also, when you say ohm check each sensor, do you mean check it with a voltmeter? I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to auto electrical.
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Loren Champlain Sr
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/ Moderator
Mar 21, 2009, 9:28 AM
Post #4 of 6
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Re: 1998 Mazda 626 running ruff, check engine light on
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Exhaust gas analyzers are very expensive pieces of equipment. Several thousand for a 'decent' one. Check for resistance readings with an ohmmeter.
Loren
SW Washington
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plsmoothy
User
Mar 21, 2009, 10:13 AM
Post #5 of 6
(3898 views)
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Re: 1998 Mazda 626 running ruff, check engine light on
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Loren ... just got off the phone with a mechanic who told me that when injectors are as old as mine (139,000 miles) I should just replace them and not bother having them cleaned. Is there any truth to that? I started checking out prices on ebay and I've found a wide range of prices. How do you feel about rebuilt fuel injectors? Would it be unwise to buy inexpensive injectors? Thanks again.
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Loren Champlain Sr
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/ Moderator
Mar 21, 2009, 11:01 AM
Post #6 of 6
(3894 views)
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Re: 1998 Mazda 626 running ruff, check engine light on
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plsmoothy; We use a machine called "Motor Vac" injector cleaner. The vehicle's fuel supply is 'disabled' and the engine runs off of the machine. The chemical goes throughout the entire combustion system and cleans the fuel rails and injectors. It takes about 1.5 hrs and does an excellent job. I've personally seen many plugged injectors come to life during the process. We get a lot of customer feedback, almost always 2-3mpg improvement and better performance. A lot of them will bring in their other car for the same thing because they were so impressed with the results. We recommend doing this every 30-40,000 miles. So, to answer your question, no I wouldn't 'just' replace the injectors. Yet. The cleaning process should be done, regardless. If it works, great.
If it doesn't, it needed to be done, anyway. As far as reman. injectors, the only time I use them is if new ones aren't available. Personally, don't like reman. parts in most cases. If you do end up replacing them, I'd recommend buying new ones from the dealer, NAPA, or CarQuest. Not something you want to skimp on, because you only want to do it once.
Sorry, probably too much information.
Loren
SW Washington
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