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I think it's OK. 102 is not a problem. 110 would be. See what happens when you push it?
There are more than a few other Sri Lankan owners here, and everyone seems to ask about cooling at some point. Combination of hot climate and slow traffic can be problematic, I guess?
The graph shows it is beyond thermostat temperature. While many here believe this is fine, I don't. There is no good reason for a cooling system cannot maintain thermostat temperature under normal driving circumstances. The thermostat should control temps, not ambient temp, fan speed, and load.
The cooling system of the RX8 does not have sufficient reserve when new, never mind on an older car where parts of the system are compromised. If you are intending to keep the car, I would look at the cooling system holistically, bringing what is worn or old back to as new spec at least, and then moving forward with modifications to achieve greater cooling capacity, so that there is a reserve built in, which the factory left out. While the following can be open to argument, and is my opinion only, I believe one of the main reasons these cars experience shorter lifespan is the cooling system's design flaws. Any engine will last longer if temps are maintained within a fairly narrow range. I believe it is even more important in a rotary, where the temperature differential between the "hot" and "cold" side of the engine is so vast, and that relatively large temp. gradient is seen over so small a distance, and with so little metal mass involved, and metals with different rates of expansion, and vital anti-wear coatings with different rates of expansion as well. It is a unique engine, and many conventions that have been adopted from piston engine understanding do not completely apply here. So, do your homework if you care about your car, especially in hot climates. I am in Arizona, so I have similar issues.
I think it's OK. 102 is not a problem. 110 would be. See what happens when you push it?
There are more than a few other Sri Lankan owners here, and everyone seems to ask about cooling at some point. Combination of hot climate and slow traffic can be problematic, I guess?
When pushing hard it actually overheats. That's why I'm worrying about above numbers when not pushing hard. When i say pushing hard i mean racing level pushing. There's no reason for me to drive this car with that level of pushing in day to day use.
Fan turns on initially at 98C and switches to high on 101C. During street driving where speed is low, anything below 101C is normal since you are relying on the fans to control the temperature. 102C, although acceptable, has exceeded the fan trigger temp, which I consider abnormal.
It has 1 peak to 102. For most of the drive in the graph it's under 100. I don't think it's reasonable to expect a car to maintain thermostat temperature at all times. The point of the thermostat is to warm up to operating faster and not overcool, not to cool the car. The fans are there for that.
But if you say it actually overheats in racing then you need to do something. Broken or not, the system is not keeping up with the conditions you need, so maintenance/upgrades are in order.
It has 1 peak to 102. For most of the drive in the graph it's under 100. I don't think it's reasonable to expect a car to maintain thermostat temperature at all times. The point of the thermostat is to warm up to operating faster and not overcool, not to cool the car. The fans are there for that.
But if you say it actually overheats in racing then you need to do something. Broken or not, the system is not keeping up with the conditions you need, so maintenance/upgrades are in order.
The fans are a failsafe, not a thermostat. Fans provides additional airflow when sufficient airflow for heat rejection is not present from vehicle speed alone. The thermostat is supposed to allow a narrow range of temperature, not just keep the engine from getting too cold. The primary regulator in a liquid cooled engine is the thermostat. Engines have had this set up for 100+ years. While thermostat temp can vary slightly due to conditions, if it is fully open all the time at moderate ambient temps, like it is in most RX8s on the road, the system does not have enough capacity. Many engines can make full power at speed at thermostat temp, or very near, ( a few degrees from set temp, and equilibrium is achieved) even in high ambient temp conditions. Its really not a big deal, except in the RX8. And like I said, if any engine benefits from stable temperatures, it is the rotary.
Ok so it gets very hot and very humid here in Michigan in the summer not uncommon for it to get to 98F and 80-90 percent humidity.
So I found a few things that worked very well from my days racing atv’s on the professional level in the heat that I’ve carried over to my rx8.
One thing that may sound crazy is to completely flush the system of coolant and I refilled with engine ice coolant. Now this won’t last nearly as long but is non toxic and biodegradable. So if you spill it no big deal. This requires me to change it every spring but it’s easy and hassle free.
It was very carefully tracked when I raced and did indeed cool better. So I assume it will here also. I have not had any issues with mine since changing even when tracking hard in hot days. That’s with the mishimoto tstat though so a Combe of both.
I always try this first because it’s worked on several occasions and in many different types of vehicles.
Only downside I’ve found is needing to change it more often. Never had any long term issues. Currently have several very high mileage engine that have been running g this for years.
Careful messing with different coolants, our coolant seals can be damaged by 2-EHA, which is a common ingredient in generic coolants. I don't know if Engine Ice contains it, but may want to check.
Also if the coolant in the car now is not Mazda FL-22 or otherwise known to not have 2EHA, I'd replace it ASAP.
Loki is correct. Mine had Mazda fluid in it and after checking with engine ice he assured me it was safe to use. Not sure how long it takes to ruin seals but I’ve had it in a year with now issues.
Same with some ecoboost that call for ford coolant.
guess I’ll be the test mule.
01-28-2021, 07:22 AM
