My name it Mat, I have a 2003 RX8 that I have now had for about 7 months, I have had many issues starting the car and with performance. I have replaced many components.

These are as follows:

Crank angle sensor
Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Leads
Coils
Fuel Pump
Air Filter
Catalytic Converter

Since I did the cat I have uncovered some new issues, now when I start it (eventually), It blows white smoke which smells very rich, I’m constantly topping up coolant, and I idles very rough for a little while. I also notice that when I put the “boot” into it, after I have warmed it up of course!, it kind of struggles at higher rpm’s (but not all the time).
Now I have come to a point where I’m lost.

Does anybody know of any rotary / RX8 specialists around Bendigo.

Kind Regards

Mat

 

Unfortunately the 2003-2005 rx8s comes with more problems than the 2006 and newer models...If you don't mind me asking, what is your personal routine in maintaining the engine?...These vehicles are very sensitive, and require even the smallest precautions.

 

how many miles are on the engine? you may still be under the 8yr/100k mile engine core warranty, provided you have maintenance records...

 

Warranty doesn't apply overseas I don't think,

 

It looks like you have bought a badly maintained car. Our engines can be reliable if treated well.
If your engine really leaks all you can do is replace\rebuild it. Change the coils as well with your new one, there's no point in doing the wires and plugs otherwise. They're just the tip of the iceberg.
ASH8 could be really helpful, try sending him a pm.

 

Since I've had the car I've always followed the guides on this forum, no cold starts, redline once a day etc. I check the oil on a regular occasion as do I the coolant (normally every other fill)
I have had some advice that it could be coolant leaking into the chambers.

So its looking like rebuild might be the way...

 

If you are blowing white smoke and topping coolant constantly then coolant is getting into the combustion chamber. I belive there is an issue with the housings cracking around the spark plugs which I "believe" (but could be very wrong) is near a coolant source.

Have the engine compression tested at a dealer would be my first suggestion. Something that I suggest anyone does before buying one of these cars.

As for mechanics, Dalton in Geelong but I think thats like a 2.5 hour drive, else an hour and a half to Promaz in Thomastown or Selectmaz in Epping.

Cheers

Andrew

 

Thanks Andrew and everybody else very helpfull info, I did a test tonight that ASH8 recommended in a thread that I found whilst doing some digging, even at idle my coolant resi is blowing lots of bubbles, pretty much confirming my worst fears, will get in touch with the guys at Promaz as they are geographicly closer.

btw driving in this state is a big no no I gather.

Cheers Mat

 

I recommend checking out tim at rx8-specialties (extreme rotaries will build the engine)

Might be a longer drive but for an engine build it is HIGHLY recommended.

 

Thanks Giustino,

Will get in touch with them, got a quote from the guys at Promaz today, $6500! Wow this is going to be expensive....

 

that price is just plain wrong. buy a remanufactured one from mazda instead.

 

Ummm no! we are in Australia...you know, that large old Island down in the Southern Hemisphere! To deal with Mazda directly would almost DOUBLE that cost. Ship a reman from Mazda US and you could easily pay that sort of money and then have to pay to have it fitted.

$6500 is probably on the high side, depending on what (if anything) is damaged. A new housing is > $1000. How much is a full seal kit worth? $1500. There alone is over $2500.

I would also agree that you should check out rx8-specialties if you are willing the extra distance (2.5 hours from Bendigo to Carrum Downs).

Cheers

Andrew

 

Wasn't he talking in USD?
anyway, you have japan right there close to you. Use it to your own advantage!

 

Why in Australia would we be talking in USD? We have our own $ that is doing just dandy If you can find me a way to get a Jap built Renesis into my car for < $6500 AUD then I will pay you the difference

 

Calling the guys at RX8 specialties today, on their site they offer a engine change over program, for nearly the same if not less money!

BTW the other quote I got wasn't including new housings (if they were required) and I was being told around $1200 a pop. But to their credit they were very quick with replies to my emails, and did offer me a loan car for the week it would take. Having said that i have access to another car anyway.

Will let you know how I go with RX8 Specialties.

Cheers

Mat

 

Might look at this.

https://www.rx8club.com.au/forum/vie...hp?f=41&t=6779

 

majic if you decide to buy the used engine from rick shaw.
I put first dibs on your blown used engine. so no need to worry selling it afterwards!

 

Lol no worries, not sure what way I'm going yet, still toying with the idea of a rebuild, but we will see. Buy the way, has anyone ever delt with Intense Automotive in Melbourne?

Cheers

Mat

 

Go to RX7 Heaven, he'll sort you out. I have had a car built there, generally they are good, and he quotes pretty good prices. The owners name is Tony Bateson.

 

what happened with the qoute from Tim?

 

Gave Tim a ring, very nice guy, hopefully heading down on the weekend to visit his shop and have a bit more of a chat. He offered a stip down and diagnosis for roughly $1500. One of my mates reccomended Intense Automotive, so I was curious if anybody else had delt with them.

Cheers

Mat

 

Yep, it is a great old test that still applies today..

Yes , you have coolant entry into rotor housings...new rebuild..

BTW, Australia does not have an 8 year engine warranty, but you knew that..

 

Ummmmmm like dude?
To me these are all regular maintenance items ... you going to add brake pads and rotors to the list .... why not tires and windshield wiper fluid too.

Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Leads
Coils
Air Filter

 

BTW, I don't know "if" you have made a decision, BUT, if you plan on keeping the car for a few years, DO NOT GO DOWN the Second Hand Engine Path, they are ..

1. Too old..
2. Mileage??
3. How has it been treated.
4. Compressions?
5. Blah Blah Blah.

You can "try" and take advantage of our High Dollar and Import your own Rebuild from Mazmart.
Just remember you will pay duty...here.

BTW: A brand new Series 2 Short Engine from Mazda Australia is $13,990 AUD, not sure on Series 1 (yours) , but would not be much cheaper if any...

DON'T ....
You should not need to Pay more for a diagnosis, you know your engine is gone.

Get a price for a Rebuild with good used Housings, or with new Housings INCLUDING Install.

 

Hi guys, just a follow up, thought you might like to know where I am it with my baby. We have decided that we are going to rebuild the engine ourself (Me and my Dad). Dad having rebuit a few engines has suggested we do it. So we have orded a rebuild kit from atkinsrotary.com.
I really am looking foward to the build, we have done plenty of research and watched a couple of dvds, actually looks pretty strait forward, just have too make sure we have our tourqe specs right!

Will keep you posted.


Cheers