2.3L ('83-'97) Mazda B2300, Crank but No Start

[TimothyRobert]

Good morning all, I am a first time visitor here experiencing some issues with my truck (1994 Mazda B2300).

My engine has had a hesitation and occasional rattling for a while, but recently it completely stalled out while I was driving. Before it went dead, I noticed a brief pause in acceleration, followed by a popping noise (seemingly from the exhaust), and then normal acceleration again. It cranks but won't start.

I just replaced the fuel filter, and it started up for about 15 seconds, but then the engine began rattling and it died out again. I bought a fuel pressure test kit, but it didn't come with the right adapter, so I ordered one online, along with the fuel pump because I need to get back on the road again soon.

Does anyone know what the culprit could be, and how I can test to verify the source of the problem? I changed the spark plugs and wires less than a year ago, and cleaned the battery terminals yesterday. I have also had a lot of ongoing overheating problems, but I do not see how it would be related. Thanks in advance!

 

[Uncle Gump]

Is there water in the oil?

Pull the dipstick and remove the oil fill cap to look for milky oil.

Do you hear the fuel pump run for a couple seconds when you turn the key to run?

 

[TimothyRobert]

Is there water in the oil?

Pull the dipstick and remove the oil fill cap to look for milky oil.

Do you hear the fuel pump run for a couple seconds when you turn the key to run?

I am not seeing any water in the oil.
I can definitely hear the fuel pump for a couple seconds, but I am not sure if it's making the right noise.

Below is a folder with two videos from this morning. The first is of the fuel pump, the second is when I was able to crank it up. It ran for 15 seconds, but the engine started rattling and sputtering out.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zvrtFKLJFX8GMLtmAwShJqA2T2G6b26h?usp=share_link

 

[Uncle Gump]

Fuel pumps typically have a crisp high pitch hum. Yours doesn't do that. Lower pitch hum... and even some rattle tossed in. Is there sufficient fuel in the tank or about empty?

Engine sounds pretty tired. Not saying you cooked it in an over heating event... but several of those events sure don't add longevity to your engine.

Check the fuel pressure when you get the adapter. You should really pull codes... might tell you a story that could help you going forward.

 

[TimothyRobert]

Fuel pumps typically have a crisp high pitch hum. Yours doesn't do that. Lower pitch hum... and even some rattle tossed in. Is there sufficient fuel in the tank or about empty?

Engine sounds pretty tired. Not saying you cooked it in an over heating event... but several of those events sure don't add longevity to your engine.

Check the fuel pressure when you get the adapter. You should really pull codes... might tell you a story that could help you going forward.

I have roughly half a tank of gas.

Unfortunately I agree, I drive it a lot for work and frequent several hour drives. I recently bought new tires, so my hope is that it will last the life of the tires (~70,000 miles).

I didn't have a jumper wire on me, so I tried to get the codes with a paperclip, but the check engine light was not coming on to relay the codes. Adapter (and fuel pump) supposedly arrives tomorrow, I'll check the fuel pressure then.