Hi. I'm currently the owner of a 1993 Mazda 323 Astina. Automatic transmission, FWD, has about over 230km on the odometer. The car makes this "horse-like" sound when starting it up every time when I let it sit for 30 minutes. HOWEVER, the car starts up just fine & instantly, if I turn the car off, and start it up again. My mechanic and father told me that it's simply the engine oil hasn't rise up to the engine so it makes this sound. I just want to make this that that is indeed the case. Please be gentle with me because I am 18 years old and finally getting into real cars instead of video games. :')
What I have done to get the car running > Since got the car for dirt cheap, I have serviced & replaced tons of things that are wrong with the car, such as starter, spark plugs, throttle body, coolant water, broken and leaking radiator cap, steering bush rack and of course, replaced the engine oil right after purchasing the car. The car used to overheat after the purchase and when going back home, but not anymore for the past month (after service)
What's currently broken on the car > The ONLY thing that I'm saving up on fixing is the leaking exhaust, because that's the last thing that I know need to be fixed, to my knowledge. The car idles super rough before replacing the spark plugs and throttle body, but is very lessened now, because I'm suspecting the exhaust leak to be the last cause for the rough idling. If that doesn't fix the shaky idle, then I'll have to take a look at the engine mounting because I haven't done that yet.
Other notes > At first, I was suspecting the alternator to be worn out, but after giving it a listen for any whining and bad smells, there seems to be nothing wrong with the alternator. No battery light on the dashboard too. I looked around the engine bay while its idling last evening and there seems to be nothing wrong with the engine. No oil leaks whatsoever, no rattling or knocking noise.
Other possible issues > Even after service, the car idles loud... at least compared to my family's other cars, it idles pretty loud, especially with the AC on. And yes, I have serviced the AC. But I'm not sure if the loud idling is something I should worry about from a 27 year old car. Nonetheless, nothing else seems to be out of place, besides super loud idling with AC.
I only heard the loud noise probably because of exhaust. It become quite when engine warms up. correct?
Btw, you have a long start. How is the battery?
@yaser If I remember correctly, the car still runs pretty loud after it's heated up. That's why it concerns me a little.
Also, the battery was actually the first thing that I replaced. This happens every time I let the car sit for 30 mins. So basically every morning it does this long start. However, the car cranks fast and starts instantly if I turn the car off, and turn it on again.
Check the fuel line pressure and idle air control valve. When the car is cold, you need more fuel and I think your car does not get enough of fuel by one crank.
@yaser Will do tomorrow. Thank you
No problem. Keep us posted.