Howdy,

Well it's now time for me to have my coils changed, had them ordered already from the USA as I was expecting them to fail.

Car is idling very badly/missing, check engine light on/flashing, foul smell from exhaust.

I don't feel competent enough to change the coils myself, can anyone recommend a Sydney based mechanic who could change the coils?

Cheers,

Pappy

 

G'day from DMRH

Take a look at this thread on the subject...... >>RX-8 club DIY section<<

If you like my little "preventative" maintenance technique (heatsinks) let me know. I'll be happy to change them for you (token fee) & install the heatsinks too if you desire. I'm not a mechanic. Just an electronics tech by trade, enthusiast by nature...

Weekends are best for me. As of today (TUE) I have a Cosmo for SAT morning scheduled but SAT afternoon & SUN are free so far. Can show you how its all done & have it completed within 2 hours unless we talk to much shop or the wife starts getting painful.

If you prefer a rotary workshop, then www.rotormaster.com.au are my preffered choice. Joe Signorelli is a good guy & knows RX-8's well as they do supercharger kits for them etc etc.

You have a PM.

REgards

 

Thanks DMRH, appreciate the prompt response - see you Sunday afternoon!

Cheers,

Pappy

 

Howdy

Unfortunately I wasn't able to get to DMRH this Sunday, on the way my RX8 kept missing/pinging so I decided to limp back home and would reluctantly visit Mazda on Monday.

When I got home I decided to give the coil replacement a go myself, the DYI instructions were good but I had initially hesitated with the airbox removal - this time I was very persistent (had the sh#ts with the RX8 as I wasn't able to get to DMRH) and managed to get the airbox out the way. Replaced the coils with the set order from OnlineMazda (see attached pic of the original coils).

One question I have, I've had a solid CEL these last few days, it would flash when the engine was missing/pinging, but remained solid during normal operation. I've reset the PCM (odo reset) and also done the "brake pedal stomp" reset but the light remains solid & occasionally flashes - the RX8 is performing fine now with the new coils. Is there anything else that I need to reset?

Pappy

 

Update ...

I ended up pulling the negative battery connection, no more CELs now. I guess the other "soft" resets weren't enough to erase the original CEL thrown when the coils were faulty.

As far as the new coils are concerned, it's amazing the difference they make. The engine's performance and sound is chalk & cheese compared to before. Revs very strongly, idles smoother, and has this awesome throaty rasp when revving through the gears. I guess this is what it was like when new almost 5 years ago. It seems fuel economy may have improved but will wait for the next full tank to take a reading.

Cheers,

Pappy

 

Another satisfied owner who regained his lost performance & fuel economy without getting reamed hard by his local Stealership.

Well done mate.

REgards