firstly i just made a purchase of a '04 RX-8 maybe not the best year model to choose considering its recalls and other issues... but i bought it and all of a sudden im getting the coolant check light popping up, ive done a lot of searching on here and found some answers. my coolant seems to be at full i may add a small amount to see if that hels if no change well, should i try to get at the resevior myself im very new to getting under the hood and taking stuff apart... very new.. maybe with help i suppose id do it, but should i bother attempting to clean the sensor or just get the new resevior w sensor install and i should be good to go from then on...?

Ive also seen comments that i should have my cars compression checked, whys this, and is the stock temp gauge really useless- is it truly innaccurate to the point that i wont know if my engine is overheating?

I want to plan a FI upgrade to my rx i like the sound of supercharger since low end revs stock are rather short for tourque and turbo wont help that much, but maybe with the mods that is improved with a turbo,,, idk ive never owned a FI and am starting to learn pretty much from scratch so lamens terms please and any info you can spare that is based on my cars healthy life and me not making a racecar just a fast car thats efficient and safe for the engine.

Thanks guys sorry and hope to hear back soon!

 

A 04 isn't a bad year I have one and had it for 3 years now. The coolant light is a easy fix mine acted up a month after I got it i simply unplugged it and check the level when checking the oil. As for the temp gauge as I understand it yes it sucks and you could do damige to the engine before you know what's happening.

As for FI research research research. Plenty of people had done it with success and plenty more have had uter failure. It's realy up to you how much your willing to spend and what you are wanting.

 

Niteshade has some good advice. If you are a total newb under the hood I wouldnt recommend changing the coolant bottle without help. It is very easy to break the nipple off of the radiator if your not careful when you do, this would mean youd need to replace the radiator too. Just unplug the sensor to the coolant bottle and check your fluids every fill up.

The stock temp gauge is close to useless, by the time the needle moves from the middle you are already at dangerous levels. If you ever see the temp gauge move above normal, pull off immediately and shut down the car. Their is a couple Apps for Iphone and Android that can take better temp readings, Torque is one of them.

FI is tough, do lots of reading and make sure the engine is healthy before starting. Happy Motoring!

 

I saw this happen in a gas station..woman keep filling coolant and it keep dripping in the ground.
Guess what..radiator was punctured.
Well lucky for her it was winter..

I would leave the sensor connected...

 

Provide some more details as in mileage? manual or auto? any mods?

You definately want to get the compression test done. Infact, this should have been done before purchase, it helps you determine the actual health of your engine. This can only be done either at a Mazda dealer or a Rotary shop

04 is not a bad year model, I've had one for 17 months now and put on approx 115k kms and had no major problems.

I have attached two threads below, read them thoroughly, they have enormous ammount of great info that will come in handy.

Since you are new to RX8 and seems like you did not do any research before purchasing,
find out how old your spark plugs, wires and coils are, they need to be replaced every 30K.


RX8's Bible
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/


RX8 Mods
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...rx-8-a-233937/

Btw welcome to the forum and congrats..

All the best

 

I am going to pass on the wise advice I received when I first got my 8. I was desperate to find ways to push more ponies from the tiny renesis.

I was told to take the 8 to the track once or twice and push it to its limits and figure out from there what needed improvement. Guess what! after 17 months I still dont have a turbo however, I added stiffer sways and end links, and got rid of the cat, now working towards gettin a better than stock coilovers.

Enjoy the 8 for sometime as is, see what its got to offer, and learn all you can about this tiny beast.. It hell of a fun but requires alot of attention..

Cheers

 

Why leave it connected it's getting false readings if he has a failure he'll never know it any way. Just keep everything healthy and check levels you'll be good.