Hi there, just signed up to this forum to learn more about the 323F and potentially solve an issue I'm having. I have owned a black Mazda Lantis Type R Special Edition for a few years now and it has never missed a beat until last week when I jumped into it, turned the ignition and it wouldn't start.

The car turned over and was really close to firing but it wouldn't. My Wifes Brother is a mechanic and happened to be in town. He thought Distributor or Crank angle sensor, with a hunch he picked up a second hand Distributor and fitted it. The car started but then ran very rough. He suggested I replace the plugs as he had to go to the airport (Lives in Australia) and wouldn't be able to spend anymore time on it.

So I replaced all 6 plugs. Unfortunately the problem still exists. Runs very rough and wont idle. Does anyone here possibly have any idea whats going on? I find it interesting that the replacement distributor got the car started but now it would seem there is another issue. Leads? Sensor? I am no mechanic and thought there are many people on here that know their stuff about these cars so I'm asking for some help which will be most appreciated.
Thank you

is it an exact number distributor? there are a couple of different number'd ones look exactly the same but dont work. If its an exact match, try rotating the dizzy to change the timing, its ecu controlled but base timing still needs to be set in diagnostic mode. Double check leads are in correct order, very easy to get couple mixed up. 135 nearest bulk head 246 nearest radiator. its marked on dizzy cap where they go.

My first thought as well was timing. The new distributor may be fitted in slightly the wrong rotational position.

But then I also thought - what do you mean by "rough"? Can you post a youtube video with sound? It may be that one cylinder is regularly misfiring, or is it an irregular misfire?