Engine & identification
Vehicle identification
| No. of cylinders Type | 4/OHC |
|---|---|
| Capacity (Fiscal) cc | 1498 (1480) |
| Compression ratio :1 | 9,1 |
| Suitable for unleaded petrol | Yes |
| Minimum octane rating RON | 91 |
| Ignition system Type | HEI |
| Ignition system Description | Trans-i |
| Trigger location | Distributor |
| Fuel system Make | Aisan |
| Fuel system Type | 28-32 |
| Fuel system Description | Carb-2V |
| Diagnostic socket | No |
Ignition system
| Ignition coil supply voltage + with ballast V | 11,0 |
|---|---|
| Primary resistance Ohm | 1,03-1,22 |
| Secondary resistance Ohm | 10000-30000 |
| Distributor (ECM) Make | Hitachi |
Firing order
The firing order for the Mazda 323 1.5 (1987–1989) is 1-3-4-2.
| Firing order | 1-3-4-2 |
|---|
Valve clearances
Valve clearances on the Mazda 323 1.5 (1987–1989) are hydraulic — they self-adjust, so no manual clearance figure applies.
| Valve clearance - INLET mm | Hydraulic |
|---|---|
| Valve clearance - EXHAUST mm | Hydraulic |
Engine oil & fluids
Engine oil
The Mazda 323 1.5 (1987–1989) takes 3.3 litres of engine oil with the filter.
A listed engine oil option is SAE 5W-30 for cold climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2.
A listed engine oil option is SAE 10W-30 for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2.
A listed engine oil option is SAE 10W-40 as an alternative for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2.
A listed engine oil option is SAE 20W-40 for hot climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2.
Manual gearbox
The manual gearbox has a listed capacity of 3.2 litres. The specified oil is SAE 80W-90.
Coolant
The total cooling-system capacity entries are 5.0 litres without a stated condition; 6.0 litres for AT.
Grades, filling conditions and capacities
| Engine oil options | |
|---|---|
| Ambient temperature range | Cold climate |
| Engine oil grade SAE | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil classification API/ACEA | SJ/A2 |
| Ambient temperature range | Moderate climate |
| Engine oil grade SAE | 10W-30 |
| Engine oil classification API/ACEA | SJ/A2 |
| Ambient temperature range | Moderate climate alternative |
| Engine oil grade SAE | 10W-40 |
| Engine oil classification API/ACEA | SJ/A2 |
| Ambient temperature range | Hot climate |
| Engine oil grade SAE | 20W-40 |
| Engine oil classification API/ACEA | SJ/A2 |
| Engine with filter(s) litres | 3.3 |
| Other lubricants and capacities | |
| Manual transmission oil grade SAE | 80W-90 |
| Manual transmission litres | 3.2 |
| Automatic transmission fluid Type | Dexron II |
| Automatic transmission (dry fill) litres | 5.7 |
| Cooling system - total capacity litres | 5,0 AT=6,0 |
Brakes & wear limits
Brake disc thickness
Brake discs on the Mazda 323 1.5 (1987–1989) are replaced at a minimum thickness of 16 mm (ventilated) front and 8 mm rear.
| Minimum disc thickness for replacement - ventilated Front | 16 mm |
|---|---|
| Minimum disc thickness for replacement Rear | 8 mm |
| Maximum drum diameter for replacement Rear | 201 mm |
Brake disc and drum dimensions
| Disc runout Front | 0,10 mm |
|---|---|
| Minimum pad thickness Front | 1 mm |
| Minimum shoe thickness Rear | 1 mm |
| Parking brake travel No. of notches | 7-11 |
Service & electrical
Ignition timing
Basic ignition timing for the Mazda 323 1.5 (1987–1989) is 6°±1° BTDC at 850 rpm.
| Ignition timing | Without vacuum |
|---|---|
| Ignition timing - basic BTDC °Engine/rpm | 6±1/850 |
| Ignition timing - alternative °Engine/rpm | AT=6±1/1000 |
Battery
The Mazda 323 1.5 (1987–1989) uses a 12 V, 35 Ah battery (reserve capacity 55 minutes).
| Battery V/RC(Ah) | 12/55 (35) |
|---|
Spark plugs
The Mazda 323 1.5 (1987–1989) uses NGK BPR5E-VG spark plugs with a 0,8 mm electrode gap.
| Spark plugs Original equipment | NGK |
|---|---|
| Spark plug Type | BPR5E-VG |
| Electrode gap mm | 0,8 |
| Spark plugs Make | Autolite |
| Spark plug Type | APP63 |
| Electrode gap mm | 0,8 |
| Spark plugs Make | Beru |
| Spark plug Type | 14R-8DU |
| Electrode gap mm | 0,8 |
| Spark plugs Make | Bosch |
| Spark plug Type | WR8DC |
| Electrode gap mm | 0,8 |
| Spark plugs Make | Champion |
| Spark plug Type | RN9YC |
| Electrode gap mm | 0,6 |
| Spark plugs Make | NGK |
| Spark plug Type | BPR5E-VG |
| Electrode gap mm | 0,8 |
Tuning and emissions
| Ignition advance | Without vacuum and basic timing |
|---|---|
| Ignition advance checks °Engine/rpm | 0-1/1200 |
| Ignition advance checks °Engine/rpm | 20/3500 |
| Ignition advance checks °Engine/rpm | 26/5500 |
| Vacuum check | Ignition timing advances |
| Vacuum range °Engine | 14 |
| Vacuum starts mbar | 133 |
| Vacuum ends mbar | 640 |
| Idle speed rpm | 850±50 |
| Idle speed - alternative rpm | AT=1000±50 |
| Oil temperature °C | 60 |
| CO level at idle speed - tailpipe Vol. % CO | 1,5-2,0 |
| HC level at idle speed ppm | 100 |
| CO2 level at idle speed Vol. % CO2 | 14,5-16 |
| O2 level at idle speed Vol. % O2 | 0,1-0,5 |
Starting and charging
| Starter motor Make | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|
| Starter motor Type | 0,85 kW |
| Minimum starting voltage V | 11,5 |
| Maximum cranking amps A | 95-116 |
| Alternator Make | Mitsubishi |
| Alternator output A/V/rpm | 60/13,5/3000 |
| Regulated voltage V | 14,1-14,7 |
Service checks and adjustments
| Compression pressure bar | 9,3-13,2 |
|---|---|
| Oil pressure bar/rpm | 3,4-4,4/3000 |
| Radiator cap bar | 0,74-1,05 |
| Thermostat opens °C | 82 |
| Drive belt size - alternator mm | 9,5x900 |
| Drive belt tension - alternator/PAS/AC mm | 9-10 |
Fuel system
| Fuel pump delivery pressure bar | 0,27-0,34 |
|---|
Tightening torques
Cylinder head bolt torque
The cylinder head bolts on the Mazda 323 1.5 (1987–1989) are tightened in 3 stages: 30 Nm, then 55 Nm, then a final 76-81 Nm.
| Cylinder head | |
|---|---|
| Renew bolts | No |
| Tighten | 30 Nm |
| Tighten | 55 Nm |
| Tighten | 76-81 Nm |
| Cylinder head instructions | — |
|---|---|
| Other engine tightening torques | |
| Main bearings Renew bolts/nuts | No |
| Main bearings Stage 1 | 27 Nm |
| Main bearings Stage 2 | 54-59 Nm |
| Big end bearings Renew bolts/nuts | No |
| Big end bearings Stage 1 | 15 Nm |
| Big end bearings Stage 2 | 29-34 Nm |
| Oil pump to cylinder block | 20-25 Nm |
| Sump bolts | 10 Nm |
| Sump drain bolt | 30-40 Nm |
| Flywheel/driveplate | 91 Nm/100 Nm |
| Clutch pressure plate | 18-26 Nm |
| Crankshaft pulley/damper centre bolt | 108-128 Nm |
| Camshaft sprocket/gear | 49-61 Nm |
| Camshaft/rocker cover | 5-9 Nm |
| Inlet manifold to cylinder head | 20-30 Nm |
| Exhaust manifold to cylinder head | 15-25 Nm |
| Spark plugs | 15-23 Nm |
| Chassis tightening torques | |
| Front hub | 157-235 Nm |
| Steering track rod end | 29-44 Nm |
| Brake caliper/carrier to hub Front | — |
| Brake caliper carrier to hub | |
| Road wheels | 90-120 Nm |
Frequently asked questions
What is the firing order of the Mazda 323 1.5?
The firing order for the Mazda 323 1.5 (1987–1989) is 1-3-4-2.
What spark plugs does the Mazda 323 1.5 use?
The Mazda 323 1.5 (1987–1989) uses NGK BPR5E-VG spark plugs with a 0,8 mm electrode gap.
How much oil does the Mazda 323 1.5 take?
The Mazda 323 1.5 (1987–1989) takes 3.3 litres of engine oil with the filter. A listed engine oil option is SAE 5W-30 for cold climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2. A listed engine oil option is SAE 10W-30 for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2. A listed engine oil option is SAE 10W-40 as an alternative for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2. A listed engine oil option is SAE 20W-40 for hot climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2.
What are the valve clearances for the Mazda 323 1.5?
Valve clearances on the Mazda 323 1.5 (1987–1989) are hydraulic — they self-adjust, so no manual clearance figure applies.
What is the cylinder head torque for the Mazda 323 1.5?
The cylinder head bolts on the Mazda 323 1.5 (1987–1989) are tightened in 3 stages: 30 Nm, then 55 Nm, then a final 76-81 Nm.
What is the ignition timing for the Mazda 323 1.5?
Basic ignition timing for the Mazda 323 1.5 (1987–1989) is 6°±1° BTDC at 850 rpm.