dbarber

Hi Folks,


I am currently looking at an '06. I've done a good deal of research on the forums and read most if not all of the READ THIS FIRST threads. That said, I understand the additional care and feeding required for the RX-8. So, at the risk of being flamed, here's my dilemma/question. This car I am looking at is immaculate and has one owner who obviously loves and cared for the car. A local rotary mechanic (whom I will not name) ran a compression test on this car, and according to what I've read on this forum, it failed with one face at 6.9@270RMP. The others are about the same, in the low sevens. However, he says this is perfectly acceptable, and the engine has many miles left. The test was performed using a Mazda tester measured in kPa. The car feels fine, and starts cold and hot with no issues. However, I really don't have anything to compare it to, and both the pass/fail curve and the chart on this forum show these results as failing when normalized to 250RPM. The car will be taken to Mazda for a second opinion. Am I misinterpreting the results? I hate to be a headache for the seller, but neither do I need a car that needs a new engine.


Thoughts?
Thanks in advance.

Williard

iTrader: (18)

op,

If you could post the number that would help ever more. Given the info you've laid out its safe to say that yes if you purchase the car you will need a new engine. That's not to say the car won't drive for many more miles until then. But with a 6.9 your failing well enough that you may want to keep searching, get a price reduction or prep for another engine.

Hope that helps

Travis

Posted From RX8Club.com Android App

dbarber

Hi Travis. I figured as much. I don't have the exact numbers in front of me or I would share. I do recall that the faces were 6.9-7.2 across the board with one rotor at 268 RPM and second rotor at 286 (I think). The car has a couple of weeks left on the 8/100 warranty, so the seller is going to see if Mazda will replace it. Otherwise we may negotiate or I may hold out for another 8 that tests higher. Really appreciate the reply!

Edit:

680-700kpa @ 268-280 RPM

Dave

Khurram

I agree with Travis.

Also, look into the complete history of the car as in any collisions, cat replacement, tranny/diffrentials ignition replacement and etc.

Compression is failing, however, the engine should last quiet a few thousand kms if taken care off.

If Mazda replaces it under warranty then it's a win win for you ;-)

dbarber

Thanks for the input! The car has a clean carfax, one owner, coils replaced fairly recently. Given the cleanliness of the car, if Mazda doesn't replace the engine, we will negotiate on price. Might look at doing a decarb. I will also check on the cats. Thanks again.