csspar

Let me start by saying I've searched the forum for info on this particular issue, and I've found a few good threads, but I wanted to post anyway to see if someone has had the same issue as me AND has found a solution. Most of the threads I found lacked a definitive conclusion to the problem.

Anyway, I've had my 8 for about a year and a half now and it has around 125k miles on it. It's completely stock other than a catless midpipe I installed myself a couple months after I bought the car.

Up until the last month or so there have been no problems whatsoever. Recently, however, I've experienced a loss of power in the upper RPMs starting at about 6k up to the redline. The power comes on alright, then thins out and surges on and off until redline.

The problem is somewhat intermittent. Right off the bat (after the car is up to temp, of course) the car usually feels good with normal delivery through the RPM range. Only after driving for 20 minuts or so does the power loss occur. Sometimes the loss of power is apparent right from the start.

Other than the power loss, I can't detect any other issues with the car. It starts fine, idles fine, doesn't stall, etc.

In the year that I've owned the car, I've put about 6k or miles on it. I've changed the oil twice, but I haven't done any other maintenance. I haven't inspected the spark plugs (possible issue?), but I checked the air filter and it looks pretty clean and free of debris.

From what I've read, it seems like the main culprits could be the MAF sensor, e-shaft sensor, something with the ignition, or something with the SSV. I can rule out cat problems since I don't have one.

Sorry about the long first-time post, but I wanted to give as much info as possible.
SO... if anyone has had this problem and fixed it, please let me know about it! I'm probably going to end up checking out all of the possible causes, but it would be nice to know beforehand if there is a common culprit for this issue.

Thanks for your time and help!!
-Chris

csspar

Oops.. I should also add that I do have a CEL due to the midpipe, but I haven't pulled the codes so there may be another reason for the CEL that I don't know about.

hellsfire

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like you have most of the possibility listed out already.

At those high mileages, compression becomes more of an issue. Is it the original engine?

Definitely could also be spark plugs and weak/bad coils
Maybe also fuel pump

Coils and spark plugs are usually a good place to start with these loss of power issues - especially if you aren't the original owner and have yet to replace them.

That and general maintenance - not likely though, but may help alleviate it a little.
Clean the MAF with MAF cleaning solution and carb cleaner on the Throttle Body

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

Hello,
Get the codes checked. Most auto parts stores check for free. You'll probably get the 420 cat code, maybe a misfire. I'm catless & get one bout every 400 miles.. Sounds like you need plugs, wires & coils, but it's just guessing till you get the codes checked.

csspar

Thanks for the replies!
I really hope compression isn't the problem. I'm pretty sure it's the original engine though. :/
Over the next week or so I'll clean the sensors and inspect the plugs and coils. I'll have to save a few bucks before I can replace the coils and plugs.

The local auto zone told me that they can't legally pull codes anymore so I'll have to find a shop that can do it for me.

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

Really Auto Zone?
That's good to know.

Carbon8

iTrader: (4)

They can read the code, that just can't clear them anymore. Sounds like the guy was just to lazy to get off his a** and do it for you.

ken-x8

Aamco (the transmission outfit) advertises that they'll read codes for free.

Why can't Auto Zone clear codes any more? Policy? Emission rules? Consumer protection laws? You can buy your own scanner for not much money and clear codes yourself.

Ken

csspar

Managed to get the MAF sensor cleaned today. The e shaft sensor was a little too hard to reach without my tools so I'll have to do that tomorrow. The MAF looked like it had black soot all over it. After spraying it with some cleaner the temperature bulb looked nice and clear with an amber tint. The wires of the actual MAF also regained their shine and became much more visible inside the housing. I haven't driven it since the cleaning but I'll report back once I've tested it out.

It may be worth noting that there seemed to be oil inside the folds of the rubber tube that comes out of the airbox. I remember reading that this can happen if you don't add oil using a long funnel. Does anyone know if this could be causing any problems?

Again, thanks for all the help guys. I really appreciate it.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

it means your engine has excessive blow-by

csspar

Sounds like I better test the compression.

monchie

That's sucks! I guess we need to buy our own code reader and do it ourselves...

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

Torque app, Bluetooth dongle read AND clear codes

csspar

Already downloaded the app and ordered the dongle

Stephen T

Is the app Android only, I can't seem to find it. Possibly Torque is not detailed enough??

rickeo

iTrader: (1)

Torque is incredibly detailed. If you don't have an Android phone there are plenty of iOS apps that are quite similar. Get your GoogleFu on and find some.

Stephen T

sorry, I meant is Torque not a detailed enough description for I tune apps search feature. It shows my age that I don't think of google first though!!! Onto it! Thanks.

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

Hi Stephen T,
Just wondering, did you find a Torque style app for your I-phone?
Have a nice day!

Stephen T

Hi BC, You Tube is a wonderful thing, I'm trolling through all these bits of information and the one thing I'm getting from it is that I'm not the right type to understand the highly technical side of things. Lol
I've always been a bit **** at logical thinking and that is really what's needed. I love getting as much info as possible though.
The short answer is the Torque app is only Android and the others don't seem as good. I went totally Apple a few years ago. I might give my worker (I'm a Barber by trade) the app as a present and let him use it as he's right into that sort of thing and is happy to help(do most of it)with the 8's upkeep.

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like a plan. Actually I use it mainly for reading & clearing codes, and actual coolant temp.
There's tons of stuff on there I don't use.
Going catless throws a CEL bout every 400 miles, so I read it (420 cat below threshold) then clear it .
I can't stand having that CEL on all the time.

Stephen T

See, You tube is useful. I knew a CEL was on the dash as a warning but you tube told me it meant Check Engine Light. I know that's probably obvious but it's another little bit of info in the memory bank for me. Slowly but surely!!!!!
I think the next thing is proper gauges although the iPad seems to be another option instead(you tube again)

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

I-pad idea is cool.
Mine has the pop-up nav hood, which is obsolete.
Guys are installing 7 inch tablets in those and displaying the Torque app & streaming music through Bluetooth.
I would love to do that, but I don't think I possess the necessary skills & patience for that.
I would probably pay a commercial operation good money to do it for me.

Stephen T

Agreed. There was an iPad video on you tube about a guy in Dubai that set his own up. Really cool.
You would probably have more luck finding someone to set it up over there than I will here. Just sheer weight of numbers with the population difference.

csspar

Finally got my OBD scanner! I got two codes. One was the expected code for the cat, and the other was p0661 which, to my understanding, has something to do with the SSV. I've yet to do some digging around to see what other people have said about this problem, but hopefully I'll have a chance this weekend to open up the car and see if I can find a problem with the valve.

Starvsnr

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-...-video-184663/

Here is everything related to SSV troubleshooting, very helpful DIY.