silverbullet53

Hi guys, I've had a major issue with my 231 (2003) I was hoping to get some advice on.


I was driving my car on the motorway and noticed loss of power and lagging - the car wouldn't accelerate above 65mph. Almost immediately, the TCS/DSC warning light came on, the temperature gauge shot up, and smoke appeared from the bonnet.


When breakdown arrived, the car was giving off a gassy / rubbery smell under the hood and the battery was completely flat. As soon as we started the car, smoke came out from under the bonnet again.

Has anyone experienced anything similar? If so, how was it resolved?


I've got a feeling it could be an engine rebuild but hoping there might be some other possibilities given the range of 'symptoms'! Any input would be appreciated!


Thanks :-)

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Where is the smoke coming from? Alternator seized?

niteshade247

I'm with 9k burnt ruber smell smoke under the hood dead batt. Sounds like a froze pully or alt.

dcviper7

Agreed, check the pulleys on the same belt as the water pump first (which might have caused the engine to overheat). Hopefully the overheating didn't damage the engine more seriously...

silverbullet53

Thanks for your advice everyone. Alternator was changed recently (approx. 3k since) and the pulley looks good. Difficult to diagnose the exact location of the white smoke as the car won't start even with a battery pack (!) but it was smoking from the passenger side at the time of breakdown.

I've had a couple of local mechanics look at the car but as expected, not to willing to take it in and not sure what is the problem. Having spoken to a specialist over the phone they seem to think engine failure is unlikely and that it could be something minor such as a relay fuse... (wishful thinking?)

I'm thinking of towing to a specialist 30+ miles away I've used before but reluctant to pay out for this before proper diagnosis. Any ideas for London / Surrey based rotary specialists?

Mysterion

The appearance of the pulley means very little. Loosen off the belt a bit and see if you can turn the alternator by grabbing the pulley and turning it. It should turn fairly easily and, if it doesn't, the internals of the alternator and, in particular, the bearings are probably frozen. While the belt is loose, try any other pulleys you can reach to make certain they turn freely, as well. There will most assuredly be a tensioner in the belt loop, the pulley of which is notorious for seizing on most every car ever made. Another quick check would be to open the fuse/relay box under the hood near the front of the engine bay and look for signs of burnt or heated wiring. Both are quick and easy checks that might provide a clue as to what happened but, should all appear normal, they will at least narrow down the specialist's search and save you a bit of diagnosis cash.

silverbullet53

Thanks Mysterion, and all, your advice really helped cut down diagnosis time.

As feared, it's a full engine rebuild :-(

Anyone else gone for a full rebuild? Has it been worth the spend, given the likelihood of needing further mechanical work (it's an 03) and general level of maintenance on the rx8?

Would love to keep her but I'm sure as is the dilemma of many owners, questioning whether it is wise to spend £3k (+) on a car worth £2.5k at best!

Mysterion

Whether or not to spend a lot to get a little depends totally on how you feel about the car. Does driving it put a smile on your face that a swat with a cricket bat can't remove? Does it have sentimental value? Are the body shell and interior intact and solid? Did the transmission and drivetrain seem to be in good working order? An 8 can never be classified as a low-maintenance econobox but, rather, like the performance car that it is, it will always require far more TLC than, say, a VW or Ford. The only one that can make the final decision whether to spend is you based on the above factors and others you might think of as you ponder the situation. Mine had an engine done 46,000 km ago and and it was well worth it IMO, but then, I am not you nor do I know your situation.
Good luck with the decision.