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Mazda RX 8 Engine Failure Problem

39 messages,  Last post on Oct 07, 2009 at 8:23 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda RX-8, Auto Repair, Engine, Oil, Car Warranties


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#25 of 39
Re: Are The Old Problems With The RX-8 Solved? [trispec2007] by boswell1
Mar 26, 2008 (6:23 am)
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Replying to: trispec2007 (Mar 25, 2008 1:00 pm)

so, what happens if the engine does flood, and the car wont start?
 
1) have to have it towed to the Mazda dealer for them to do their thing to get it started?
or
2) let it sit and it will eventually start? 5 minutes? 5 hours? 5 days?
 
Boswell1
#26 of 39
Re: Are The Old Problems With The RX-8 Solved? [boswell1] by trispec2007
Mar 26, 2008 (7:42 am)
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Replying to: boswell1 (Mar 26, 2008 6:23 am)

There is a flooded engine recovery procedure.
 
From the manual:
 
Holding accelerator down all the way + turning key for 10 seconds
Then crank for with/o accelerator for 10 more seconds
 
Repeated procedure twice.
#27 of 39
Re: Are The Old Problems With The RX-8 Solved? [trispec2007] by trispec2007
Mar 26, 2008 (7:45 am)
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Replying to: trispec2007 (Mar 26, 2008 7:42 am)

I've never flooded my RX-8, but I did flood my RX-7 several times. Flooring the accelarator and cranking 10 seconds always worked, but there was a huge cloud of smoke after a flooding restart.
#28 of 39
Re: Are The Old Problems With The RX-8 Solved? [trispec2007] by boswell1
Mar 27, 2008 (4:46 am)
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Replying to: trispec2007 (Mar 25, 2008 1:00 pm)

i've talked to other people that say the potential flooding problem and high oil consumption being the norm for a rotary engine is complete BS.
 
so, who do i believe? where does a guy go to get the absolute best info regarding the Mazda RX-8?
 
on the one hand, i'd hate to buy one and start having problems with it. there's nothing worse than having car trouble. but on the other hand, if all you need to do is not shut the engine off when its cold, and add a quart of oil every 1,000 miles or so, thats no big deal.
 
help.............
 
Mike
#29 of 39
Re: Are The Old Problems With The RX-8 Solved? [boswell1] by duke15
Mar 27, 2008 (11:19 am)
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Replying to: boswell1 (Mar 27, 2008 4:46 am)

The engine is designed to use oil, but it isn't exactly burning it. It is used as lubrication. Many people find themselves down a quart every 1000 - 3000 miles. Trust me, if your car never uses any oil, problems will ocur. That isn't the norm though.
#30 of 39
Re: Are The Old Problems With The RX-8 Solved? [boswell1] by aviboy97
Mar 29, 2008 (6:22 pm)
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Replying to: boswell1 (Mar 27, 2008 4:46 am)

i've talked to other people that say the potential flooding problem and high oil consumption being the norm for a rotary engine is complete BS.
 
Well, it's not complete BS. Those people telling you other wise don't know the rotary engine very well. The engine has the spark plugs mounted on the side of the engine. The rotors spin around the peanut shaped rotor housing. Depending on where the rotors stop when the engine is turned off, there is a possibility that one of the rotors sets by the spark plugs. What happens is unburned fuel can sit on the rotor, and soak the spark plugs. Now your engine is flooded. Warming up your rotary engine before shutting it off makes that excess fuel evaporate. Excess fuel left in an engine is normal, but, since normal Otto cycle engines have the spark plugs on top of the combustion chamber, flooding cannot occur.
 
Since late 2005, Mazda has equipped the RX-8 with hotter sparking spark plugs that help reduce the chance of flooding, even when someone turns off the engine when it is not warm.
 
The rotary design is very reliable since there are only 3 moving parts. With proper lubrication, hence more oil consumption, it is not uncommon for these rotarys to eclipse the 200K mark. Why you usually don't see them do it is because since the late 80's, Mazda only uses them in performance vehicles. With performance marketing, comes tuner support. Tuner support translates into high horse power, and really testing the limits of the engine. Look at any performance engine, and what tuners do to it. Get as much power as you can before it blows. Subaru has been the latest company to have numerous engines blown because of the massive support for the WRX/STi's. I guess 300hp out of the box is not enough.
 
trispec knows what he is talking about, and so do I. It seems as if your other sources do not.
#31 of 39
Re:Maple Smell by 3rex8
Apr 18, 2008 (11:14 pm)
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To address sexica22 's mention of maple smell. I have a 2007 6sp auto 8 and I've smelled a distinctive sweet smell after warmed and idling. All engine's with antifreeze can have that sickingly sweet smell with even a small seep. My water is still full and my scanguage shows cruising water temps from 179-186 F so the smell is not necessarily a problem, just a clue to watch for FL22 coolant leak.
#32 of 39
consumer reports rx8 by dag14qb
May 01, 2008 (4:27 pm)
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FYI..consumer reports recomends the RX8 in its 06 edition, and it has a highest rating for the following categorys
Engine
cooling
tranny
drive system
fuel
ignition
electrical
AC
suspension
brakes
exhaust
body integrity
power equipment
body hardware
 
it had an average rating for paint,trim and rust,
overall used car verdict above average, new car verdict average.
 
The 04 (what i own) had trouble spots with
fuel
ignition
 
below average with AC
 
and average
Electrical
engine
body hardware
 
Bottom line is that if you take care of the vehicle you are more than likely not to have any more problems than you would on any other car. the sheer enjoyment of the car more than makes up for the extra TLC needed to keep the car going strong
#33 of 39
Re: Are The Old Problems With The RX-8 Solved? [trispec2007] by nikki104
May 17, 2008 (2:36 am)
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Replying to: trispec2007 (Mar 26, 2008 7:42 am)

Tried the recovery procedure for a flooded engine (which I know it is), and it still won't start. What do I do now? HHHHHEEELLLLPPPPPP!!!!!!!!
#34 of 39
Flooding problem solved by dealership by nikki104
May 17, 2008 (7:04 pm)
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I gave up and had the car towed to the dealership. They said in order for them to get it started they had to:
Put a battery charger on
Push accelerator down for 10 seconds (to engage engine), let off
Then turn key over until engine turns over, however long it takes (hince the battery charger) don't stop until it works and don't repeat (you'll flood the engine more)
They say it's hard on the starter and battery, but it's what must be done.
Installing trailer spark plugs and hot? battery helps it from flooding in the future.
Now I hope this works if I have to do it at home!

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