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Mazda RX 8 Engine Failure Problem

99 messages,  Last post on Jan 30, 2013 at 10:38 AM

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

Messages Page 11 of 11

#96 of 99 Re: Replacement Engine - Mazda RX8 reliability [trex8] by newtorx8club

Jan 21, 2013 (9:58 pm)

Hello, you seem to know a lot about these kinds of cars. I actually am getting into a 2004 Rx8. What are some things i need to know about. The dos and donts with rotary engines.

#97 of 99 Re: Replacement Engine - Mazda RX8 reliability [newtorx8club] by trex8

Jan 21, 2013 (10:19 pm)

Replying to: newtorx8club (Jan 21, 2013 9:58 pm)
Did you get a compression check of the rotors? That's what can shed light on the seals.
Otherwise, use the recommended oil... Stay on top of all maintenance. Seriously, if you have even a slight mechanical ability , you can change plugs, wires, coils yourself... Buy them online for 1/2 dealer price... Took me 2 hours first time... Takes me 30min now.... It's important to replace every 30k miles.
Check out RX8club.com great group of support there!!
Good luck! My 2095 has120k!

#98 of 99 2005 Mazda RX8 Automatic - Third Motor! by rotaryproblems

Jan 30, 2013 (10:38 am)

1st motor replacement: 20K miles
 
We just had the third motor and cat installed after 60,000 miles under the 100K/8yr extension.
Symptoms included: Very sluggish during take off, car occasionally dying at stop signs or backing up
 
The car was flooded, would not start and needed to be towed. The service department started the motor and ran the diagnostics for compression under the service bulletin (~$350). If the car was drivable and we had driven the car to the service department we would have been charged that fee. They found that the compression was low and eligible for another motor replacement at the cost of Mazda. They also found that the cat had excessive carbon build up.
 
Out of pocket expenses: $520
~$120 to start motor
~$400 for new coils
~$20 for a new belt (one of the ribs was broken)
 
The cost for motor replacement and cat including labor: ~$7000 (covered by Mazda).
 
Service center also recommending replacing coils at cost of owner.
 
Issue per the service department: Driving the car like a honda will cause excessive build up in the cat and plug the cat causing the spark plugs to foul and apex seals to fail (aka motor failing).
 
Recommendation from service department: Refrain from driving in automatic and drive using the paddle shifters whenever possible or at all times. They also recommended to drive between 3-5000 RPM, the harder you drive it the better it will treat you. On the freeway I can cruise at 75 at about 4000 rpm in third gear. They also suggested not to shut off motor before the car is fully warm, if you do rev engine for 10 seconds at 5000 RPMs.
 
Mazda should have installed a transmission with a gear ratio that does not lug the motor.
 
Right now the car drives like brand new. Although, I am concerned when the engine will fail (again) and it will likely be out of warranty. For this reason, we may end up selling the car and buying a new one without the rotary problems, or may just drive it until it fails again and sell it at a reduced cost.
 
Has anyone filed a lawsuit with Mazda? What was the outcome?

Messages Page 11 of 11

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