Mazda Repair: A/C drain and does not start easily after running for 1 hour - for Mazda MPV 2001, mazda mpv, oil dipstick

Question
Hi John:
I have a 2001 Mazda MPV. I am having two problems with my van. Hope you can help.

1. Foul smell comes after running the a/c for a while. I think the drain is clogged. Where is the drain located and how can I clean the drain?

2. The van starts fine on cold. But after driving for 1 or 2 hours and give it a rest for a while (for a lunch break) the van does not start right away. It takes 4 or 5 turns to start the ignition. Black puff of smoke comes from the exhaust at that time, i.e.,it is getting rich mixture. It all started after a service for cleaning the fuel injectors.

Thanks

Roger

Answer

AC: probably not plugged drain and is more likely to be mold. Take it to an AC shop and let them check the drains and kill the mold. It is an excessively nasty job and miserable to do if not equipped with a lift. Suggest trying some "Frigi-Fresh" AC system mold killer and deodorizer in the mean time till it can go to a shop with the appropriate brushes and flush chemicals.

Starting: Due to leaking injectors after incomplete or improper cleaning. Can be identified by removing the oil dipstick and if the dipstick is metal, lighting the oil on the end with a lighter to see if the flame dances and peaks. This would indicate fuel in the oil and confirm the diagnosis. Fuel leaking into the cylinder causes a flooded cylinder and excessive smoke when started. This is not obvious in the morning or after it has sat for a long time as the gasoline has ether run past the piston rings and into the oil pan or evaporated and is expelled within the first few rotations of the engine while the fuel system is building pressure. I suggest bringing it back to the shop that performed the cleaning and requesting that they repair the issue. It can be identified by removing the plugs during one of its hissy fits before the car can be started and seeing which plug is wet. This could also be a timing issue but unlikely. Have the timing belt checked anyway "by another shop" to confirm that everything is in tip top condition.


Regards,

John