francisrx8

Hi everyone. Im new to posting but I have been a regular on this site since February 2008 when I got my 2004 rx8. I am the 3rd owener got it at 35k miles on the 17th of feb. I just hit 68k miles 2 days ago and it has been smooth sailing since day 1. I replaced the spark plugs, wires, coils all the regular stuff myself around 60k miles thanks to this site and me and my bestie have had nothing but happy days.

Due to life changes I dont want to really get into (in summary. Happy I have twin boys about to be 2 in april. Sad the relationship is over with their mom) I have to sell my rx8.


I had a serious buyer that said it has to pass his mechanic's inspection. I said no problem since I am 100% sure my rx8 can pass any test and has had no major problems. So they begin the test. The mexhanic starts it up then turns it off. Then does it again. Then does it again. I was talk to the guy that was interested but ny this time my attention tured to my 8 and I asked is this part of the inspection then they said yes he is about to test drive it. My 8 was fully heates otherwise we all know that was a flood right there. He takes it around the block come then comes back. Pulls it into the shop then they lift it up and all go to work looking for anything they can find.

They drop it down and then begin to start and stop it all over again. At least 10 more times. All the while the 8 starts to take a bit longer and longer each time. So the inspection is done. They say they have a few things to tell me but they will let their tech explain.

He says there is something wrong with the abs system not communicating properly to the computer he ran a self test on it.
he also said the compression seems to have a problem and thats why it has a hard time starting up.


my question.

Isnt the harder starting due to the engine begimning to flood since comstant start and stop will spray oil and gas leading to harder time for the spark plugs?


they said they will buy it of I take it to the dealer for the compression test I will take it in today just to see for myself. The tech said I drive it too hard of which I dont I only redline or beep it a few times when I drive to clear her throat.

I would have posted my ad up here first but I never created an account on here and I have to meet the new requirements first. Please go easy on me with grammar and punctuation I posted this from my phone since I just moved and no internet at the new place yet.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

If they fired it up and turned it off repeatedly in a short period of time, the reason for the slower start on repeated times is that they are draining the battery.

A compression test should prove that your engine is fine, since if it still starting after that kind of abuse, all your hardware is in good shape under there.

And ignore what the tech said about driving it hard, he is ignorant about rotaries.

francisrx8

Thanks for the feed back. I started having a feeling they were trying to trick me since after all that they gave an offer really really low saying the engine will need replacement soon.

ken-x8

Sounds like a charade to lead up to that lowball offer. What kind of self test did he claim to have run on the ABS? Those systems self-test themselves and the light comes on if they fail.

If they don't come up to something reasonable after you get a proper compression test, maybe a kindly moderator would let you put a for sale post here.

Ken

ShellDude

iTrader: (12)

yeah, I agree with the guys…. something sounds fishy… i bet your potential buyer is really good friends with the shop or attached to it in some way.

If you previously had a firm price set (and it was reasonable) stick to it.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

I forgot to note the ABS "failure", but yes, I agree with ken. You should have an ABS light and code if there was a problem.

You can still post it for sale in your regional subforum without having the 10 posts and 30 days. You should post it for sale here anyway in case I'm interested

francisrx8

Thanks all. No lights on the dash at all. My check light has been on once since I had it for o2 sensor.

Yes him and his mechanic are best freinds for a long time more like brothers now but the guy and his son from what I could tell were honest people. The father admited he didnt know anything about the car. The son was on it and he said he did his reseach on it i think from this site as well.

I priced it at a bargain since although I need the money I am also selling it to save money on insurance reg and smog. I priced it lower than all others in within a 500 mile radius from the searches i have seen. Its the grand touring package also.

Thank you all for the replies. It puts my mind at ease now I was starting to second guess my 8

francisrx8

I just got back from the dealer they said it only has 1 good chamber out of all 6. This is killing me. 5.9, 6, 6 at 218 rpm and 5.9, 6.2, 6 at 218 rpm. Im not sure what to think anymore.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Yeah, normalizes out to 6.6s to 6.9s Just barely under the failing line.

I would have expected the engine to have been caught out more by the repeated start than you described it as, given those numbers.

Sorry to hear :/

francisrx8

They recommend the zoom cleaning with but wont guarantee any improvements. The tech said mazda says get it done and the compression will improve over time but he said he has never had one back to plug the numbers to verify if that is true or not. I might just give it to carmax then. I dont want to pass any headache to anyone.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Well, don't give up hope yet. I actually have proof that it CAN restore compression, see my post #16 here: https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tec...7/#post4408673

That doesn't mean that it will restore compression in your case. It really depends on why the compression is low, and that isn't an answer you can find without tearing down the engine first. Given the low cost of the decarb, it's worth a try.