fldivall

Just bought an RX-8 a few months ago, thought I was in heaven until.....
First of all I bought it without a manual. Worst mistake I could of made. Anyway, ran fine for quite a while, until I had to replace the battery. Now when I try to start it, the motor turns over, but it acts like it's not getting any gas. Any suggestions.
I just put 5 gallons it, so it's not out of gas.

tpb7463

iTrader: (1)

Since you are a new owner, take the time to read the new owner's thread:

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/

Did you let the car warm up completely before shutting it off? If not, then it may simply be flooded. When the car was first released, Mazda released a "product update" to all registered owners--this video details the deflooding procedure. You can find it here:

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...8/#post4523620

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Can you describe the 'not starting' more completely? Rather than telling us what you think is happening, tell us what you know is happening, and what you know isn't happening.

There are numerous things it could be still, and we need details from you to narrow it down.

Engine failure, spark plugs fouled, coils failed, plug wires broken, plugs broken, plug wires not seated, grounding points corroded, starter failed, fuel pump failed, bad gas, etc...

I'd also recommend giving us the year, transmission type, mileage on odometer, mileage on engine, any recent service that has been done (including any that you might know about before purchase), what the compression results were when you bought it, and anything else you can think of.

fldivall

Tuesday I went to go start my car and it tried to start and the engine was making the sound of trying to start so I tried to jump it. well it didn't work so yesterday I took the battery in. my battery wouldn't hold charge so I got a new one put it in and it still wouldn't start it was like it wasn't getting fuel to the engine but everything was sounding like it was supposed too I put a new radiator in last month and it was fine but when I bought the car I was using E-91 gas but about 3 or 4 months ago my husband started using 87 gas it ran fine for this amount of time now it wont start. which is devastating my car is a 2004 rx8 and my engine is a 1.4 liter and my miles are around 157000 I have no idea about bout the engine mileage I figure its the same as the car please if u know anything

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Being able to use 87 octane is a bad sign. A healthy engine can't use 87 octane safely. Being able to use 87 octane likely means your engine is losing compression. A 2004 on the original engine at that mileage, it's even more likely.


Still, start with the basics:
- You may be flooded from the weak battery starting attempt. Go through the deflooding process to deflood the engine.
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-...lumber-182410/


- Replace the ignition. Plugs, coils, and wires. Buy from Mazmart (Mazmart: Your wise choice for Mazda parts. In business since 1980. a forum vendor), Amazon.com, Advance Autoparts. Don't buy from a dealer. Replacing them is easy with simple tools. You don't want to buy from the dealer OR have a dealer do the replacements. You can expect to pay $600-$1,800 if you have the dealer replace the ignition, and can buy all the parts for about $200ish at the lowest, with no labor cost if you replace them yourself. It is really very simple.

- Get a compression test at a Mazda dealership. Will cost you anywhere from $120 to $250 and will give you a report on the health of your engine and starter


Also, if you haven't already done it, I'd recommend overhauling the cooling system. 2004 and 2005 cooling systems are failing faster and faster, and they WILL take your engine with it (if the engine isn't already failing). You can buy the OEM radiator, coolant lines, expansion tank, cap, and thermostat for around $500 total from Mazmart

fldivall

does that mean I may need a brand new engine then since the compression might be going down or can I just switch my gas out replace my ignition and all my spark plugs coils and wires and I don't even know where any of that is I didn't get a manual and what's overhauling the cooling system i am only twenty four and I am a girl so I don't know much bout this stuff is there any hope for me

fldivall

I mean if I do all that will my compression come back

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Sure, there is plenty of hope. The more willing you are to do stuff yourself, the more you can save and the more confidence you can build. The RX-8 is a VERY VERY easy car to work on.

What is more, we have detailed DIY threads on the forums to help you with every step. If there are any other knowledgeable members near you, they might even lend a hand for some pizza and beer (common currency on here).

Failing compression is from physically worn metal (or shattered/broken metal, but I doubt that is your problem here). Nothing but a rebuild can replace that worn away metal. If your engine IS failing, then the options are replace the engine ($3k-$4k), rebuild the engine ($2k-$4k), or get rid of the car. Until you have a compression test though, you can only guess at your engine health. It's why we heavily stress that potential owners get one before buying an RX-8.

The only reason you wouldn't replace your ignition is if A) you wouldn't keep the car if the engine turned out dead, or B) you know that it was replaced within the last 20,000 or so miles. It's a regular maintenance item, and you will need to replace it periodically anyway.

See the new owner's thread for lots of information that would be useful, including a link to where you can get the owners manual for free.

fldivall

well when I bought the car my engine light would come on I got a diagnostic test done and it was my Cadillac converter but when I put the new radiator in it went off since until I tried to start my car Tuesday and my battery light came on so I replaced the battery and it hasn't gone off im taking my ignition fuse in tomorrow how do u know the fuse is good cuz I never done it before but I would think when u test it it would make a sound or the light would come on if it was good right? im also taking my fuel fuse in just in case and I probably should change my oil I haven't changed it and I got the car at the end of may of this year. and my steering is real hard to turn the wheel but before I put my new radiator in it wasn't like that but after I did its felt like it doesn't have any power steering fluid but it don't take power steering fluid and I don't know any members close to me or else id ask for help I live in a small town called oilton so I doubt theres anybody close

fldivall

and its also slap shift so it has a dual transmission I think that is what you call it