Rararx-8

2004 manual drive rx8. Bought at 111k now at 120k todays issues came sudden and at 5 seperate times in approximately 4½ hour intervals. First time after shifting into second gear, RPM starts to dance then drops to 0rpm in-between the dance a backfire lets out with a different sound from the usual and doesn't come from rear exhaust pipe sounds like coming below driver seat. This point engine has died. I have push start and while pressing to restart engine continues to turn over a good 20secs multiple times then slowly begins to startup. Recently I've had to jump start due to battery dieing from depressing start button multiple tries but oddly I can push to start during this situation and have until car restarts. I have read briefly about apex seal but no clue of trouble shooting being one that is same situations im having?

Loki

iTrader: (1)

If rpm drops to 0 the ECU isn't getting power or eccentric shaft position sensor is disconnecting. Does speed also drop to 0? If not, it's the sensor.

For the slow startup it could be your battery is bad and the starter can't turn fast enough, the starter itself is old, or the ignition is in a bad state.

rx8help.com has important info for new owners, check it out.

Rararx-8

Yes as well. Drove well approximately 8hrs in town/freeway [deliver for uber eats] like yesterday later day no overheating signs engine is HOT though. Running state: gauge drop, backfire [loud pop] speed slows. I am able to restart during coast from 1st gear.
I have used 89 octane here and there. I do add:

• Marvel mystery oil to tank,
• 2 stroke
• 10-40w
• 50/50 European coolant.

Fuel system cleaner?
Fuel stabilizer?

THX Loki

Rararx-8

N slow acceleration to reach 7000rpm then backfired semi-light smoke is exhausted 15secs. I can reach 9k, and at times 7+k it will let out enough smoke to be hazardous to cars driving behind me. Then it drives good for a while.

I dont know this warning? Or this one ( ! )+ water below the exclamation (which is usually on)

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Wait. MMO and 2 stroke? Why?
You shouldn't need to add coolant and certainly not european. Mazda FL-22 doesn't eat your seals, stick to that. But, if you're having to add coolant, it might be too late for that.

Either way, you don't have a fuel problem, you have an electrical problem. Start by making sure your battery is good and the connectors to it are snug and clean

Rararx-8

I had used a piece of hose clamp for a tighter fit around, - battery post. I believe its aluminum and have now removed it. This issue did start after I added to neg battery post. This battery does need replacing. Only coolant to radiator. 2cycle - youtube influenced. Will discontinue 2 cycle use.

Loki

iTrader: (1)

No a JASO FD rated 2 cycle is ok, I was asking why 2 cycle AND MMO.
So you are having to add coolant? Are there traces of it leaking around the overflow bottle?

For the battery terminals -- the clamps stretch with time, but you can replace them without too much trouble.

spectre6000

An RX-8 DD and working as a delivery driver seems like a pretty precarious situation. Especially with the apparent level of mechanical understanding.

What Loki is getting at is WHY are you adding coolant? If you're losing coolant, that could be a sign of a pretty significant issue. He's asking about leaks, because if there aren't any, you're due a new engine (and may still be if there are).

You've given us a list of remedies to problems you may or may not have, but haven't told us why you felt the need for those remedies. The particular problem you're posting about, to me, screamed eccentric shaft sensor from the title on down, but the battery alone could do that if it's far enough gone (and could be the alternator's fault).

Rararx-8

The check engine light has been on since I bought the car they took and cut the catalytic out and ran straight pipe to Muffler. Now, and I've never seen this before, the check engine light is [glow]blinking[/glow]? While driving I can feel something, like a pull, quick loss of pressure. Usually when I go 2nd to 3rd gear.

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Blinking check engine is a misfire.
Ignition failure is very common on these cars and usually that's why someone would cut out the cat. Bad ignition kills it.

You'll want new coils and spark plugs. And check if there are other check engine codes.

This stuff will kill your engine, so don't let it go on. rx8help.com

DalekEngineer

Any updates on the problem, I’m in a similar situation here

spectre6000

Well... I forgot to unsubscribe and/or turn off the auto-subscription and got an email. There WAS a post from OP. describing blown coolant seals, low coolant, overheating, etc. That's probably what you're looking for. Dude's getting a new engine.

DalekEngineer

Thanks for the info