New Member/Northwest Region
02-25-2016, 04:48 PM
#1
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Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Anacortes, WA
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New Member/Northwest Region
Hi Everyone, new member here from the Pacific Northwest taking few moments to introduce myself. I've been the satisfied owner of 2005, Grey, AT RX8 since March of 2014 when I purchased it as my daily driver. While it has caused me much more stress and fretting than I anticipated, it's also proved to be super fun, nimble, spritely and has exceeded my expectations. The rotary was never on the radar until I was looking for cars one afternoon and took it out for a spin. I wasn't instantly sold, and left not buying the car. An hour later I was back at the lot, and snatched it up.
Since then I have enjoyed is as a daily driver. There are no modifications to the car, but there are three interesting things I have noted:
1.) Just fixed the typical hard starting problem. Took in excess of five tries whenever at the filling station. Never had failed to start, but it was anxiety and stare inducing. New battery didn't solve it. Second new battery didn't solve it. Starter cleaning didn't fix it. Voltage drop tests all were acceptable. Cat was good. Replaced starter with Mitsubishi reman and starts GREAT! first try every time, no excess cranking! No obvious failure mode noted in old starter, though still examining it. Maybe demagnetization of stator magnets?
2.) Removed thermostat to clean SSV valve and noted an unusual failure mode for thermostat. Thermostat had been unable to seat properly due to metal neck area of thermostat breaking in half. Would like to post pictures of this down the road. I've never seen it. Asymptomatic though.
3. Recently removed catalytic converter for inspection and replaced with midpipe as temporary measure to retain drivability. All that work for nothing! Cat was immaculate! Now I smell like gas and exhaust every time I drive the car. ICK. I have a new respect for catalytic converters.
Hope to enjoy this list for as long as I have the car, as it's already been a valuable source of information. Thanks for reading. Happy rotoring.....
Philippe
Since then I have enjoyed is as a daily driver. There are no modifications to the car, but there are three interesting things I have noted:
1.) Just fixed the typical hard starting problem. Took in excess of five tries whenever at the filling station. Never had failed to start, but it was anxiety and stare inducing. New battery didn't solve it. Second new battery didn't solve it. Starter cleaning didn't fix it. Voltage drop tests all were acceptable. Cat was good. Replaced starter with Mitsubishi reman and starts GREAT! first try every time, no excess cranking! No obvious failure mode noted in old starter, though still examining it. Maybe demagnetization of stator magnets?
2.) Removed thermostat to clean SSV valve and noted an unusual failure mode for thermostat. Thermostat had been unable to seat properly due to metal neck area of thermostat breaking in half. Would like to post pictures of this down the road. I've never seen it. Asymptomatic though.
3. Recently removed catalytic converter for inspection and replaced with midpipe as temporary measure to retain drivability. All that work for nothing! Cat was immaculate! Now I smell like gas and exhaust every time I drive the car. ICK. I have a new respect for catalytic converters.
Hope to enjoy this list for as long as I have the car, as it's already been a valuable source of information. Thanks for reading. Happy rotoring.....
Philippe
02-25-2016, 06:18 PM
#2
09S2R3
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Kirkland, WA
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Welcome to the forum. I'm down in Kirkland, so probably won't be seeing you around but.. Glad you're enjoying it!!
(BTW, Anacortes is an awesome place; I have a cabin up on Samish!)
(BTW, Anacortes is an awesome place; I have a cabin up on Samish!)