Hey guys, I was just looking into getting an RX-8 and I understand that there are recalls on the 04-06 engines. I've also heard that the 07+ models don't flood as often or not at all and I just wanted to see if this was true or no. I know flooding is a cause of improper care and uneducated owners. But if I were to accidently cut the engine cold on some of the newer models what are the chances that it would flood?

 

I believe that it would still flood just like a 04-05 rx8 would. The thing is that since the newer ones have a better starter and battery in most cases there is less of a chance you would flood it on a cold start e.x. trying to start it in cold weather and it doesn't start within 10 seconds for cranking it, you would flood it. But the newer ones have a less of a chance of that happening.

Anyone wanna back me up on this or am I wrong?

 

Your best bet is to read the following:
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...t-here-202454/

The short answer to your question is that 04-05 engines, especially the automatics, are a gamble that I wouldn't recommend (though I do have an '04 manual that's still going after 76k miles). Later engines ('06 and up, I believe) shipped with a stronger starter motor which can help overcome flooding issues, but the underlying problem that causes flooding on cold engines is still there.

The aforementioned thread will give you all the details, but my feeling is that owning a rotary requires a bit of a passion. Ultimately, an RX-8 will cost more to operate than a 'competing' model car, and it may be trying at times, but it's a special car and if you have a passion for it, you'll love every minute of it. For instance, if I walked out to my 8 right now, drove down to the gas station for the third time this week, emptied my wallet into the pump for 93-octane, and on the way home an apex seal let go and destroyed my engine, I wouldn't regret buying the car. Actually maybe not passion as much as crazy...

 

Mine's an 05 and i sometimes accidentally turn off the engine when its not in its operating temperature and it never flooded ever since.

 

Closed. Basic question.

This guy has the right answer. Flooding specifically covered.