Ignition probs, 92 MX3 1.6 DOHC

[MX3FromLondon]

My son just bought his first car, a 92 MX3, 1.6 DOHC 5sd. After 1 week, it won't start.<BR>Appears no ignition. Mechanic tried another ignition module, no go. Now looking for a different distributor... still waiting to locate one (i.e. used, low cost)<P>We need some help, as I am not familiar with Mazda's or MX3's at all.<P>Are there any typical problems with this cars ignition we should be looking for???<P>Are these 1.6 DOHC motors/parts interchangeable with other makes or models for getting parts?? i.e. Other engines, other Mazda's, (or, I thought some Ford Escort parts were interchangeable)???<P>I read elsewhere on this board Mazda does not sell distrbutor parts,...have to buy whole distributor? True? Is there a weak link in the distributor in this car? Can it be fixed without replacement? <P>Is there some other part of ignition system (not the module) that would just make car not start at all??<P>Hate to see my son's first car be such a pain right off the bat, so any help, suggestions, resources, (especially in Ontario Canada)would be really appreciated!!<BR>This is a nice looking, fun to drive car, so I hope it isn't a real lemon. <P>I think I'll stick with Detroit Iron, at least my Cobra starts and I can get parts.<P>Any ideas greatfully accepted.

[mazda20]

The 1.6 DOHC is notorious for distributor leaks, but I am not sure about other distributor problems.

[OsoSlo z28]

if your car is a 92, then it's a SOHC, not a DOHC

[MX3FromLondon]

Thanks for replys.<P>Pretty much confirmed it is the distributor, mechanic is seeking for used one. Mazda does not sell parts to repair. <P>All else has pretty much been eliminated,...it cranks, gets fuel, but no spark, and ignition module was test replaced, but no go. All the easy, obvious done. <P>If misery loves company, apparently many Japanese cars, including Accura, have distributor problems, and are even pricier to replace. I guess every car has its weak links, just seems weird that in so many years of owning, modifying, and fixing many cars, albiet all American so far, I have yet to encounter a situation where entire distributor had to be replaced. <P>Here's hoping we find one soon and Jr. can enjoy his MX3 again.