Mazda Repair: 90 mazda 626 wont start, interference engine, mazda 626

Question
Just recently my car has started to run hot. I have determined that I am in need of a water pump. it also intermittently has  a pulsating like idle. Yesterday when i exited the freeway it shut off and now it will not start at all. It turns over but will never catch. Where should I begin? Thanks in advance for any advice!!

Answer
If your water pump was in terribly bad shape it could have seized.  While it was getting nearer and nearer to seizing it may have been putting up quite a bit of resistance which could explain the pulsating idle.

I think that the water pump on this car is driven by the timing belt. If so, the belt may have broken or jumped time. A broken timing belt will cause the motor to stop running immediately. A belt that has jumped time can have the same effect.

I don't know if you motor is an interference engine or not. If it is, then the motor is probably badly damaged. If not, replace the water pump and the timing belt and you're good to go.