I know this topic has been covered, but having a conversation with two Mazda techs today... The oil pan holds about three quarts. The dipstick level between the hashmarks is two quarts. So when the level is on the lowest mark there is only one quart in the pan. These techs have done a few replacement pans so they probably are aware of the situation. We also discussed how much oil is left in the system after an oil change.. maybe a few quarts. So should we change the oil, run the engine, then change it again to get all the old oil out? The rotary still needs a separate clean oil supply for the oil metering pump instead of old crancase oil. And has the oil light problem really been solved with an additional hole in the baffle.. just some thoughts...

 

The US standard rx-8 holds roughly 7 quarts in the pan and in the 2 oil coolers. Changing the oil (draining) only gets half. If you did it again you still wouldn't get all the "old" oil out. Dont' worry about it, just do your maintenance.

According to this service bulletin, this is the fix for the oil light problem.
http://www.finishlineperformance.com...ocs/index.html

 

no oil light yet but my VIN is in the range of VINs affected. will try to get it done with first oil change.

 

I'm waiting for my light to act-up but it hasn't. It did show up once but never again. My dealer would have to see it 1st hand before they will do it (I'm certain of this). Hopefully your dealer has a better attitude about it.

 

oh ok i thought if it was on the TSB list one should take it in. not as severe as a recall i guess. but they give a range of VINs and if yours is in the range why would your dealer have to see it first hand?

 

Good point let me know how it goes, it's like pulling teeth over here.

 

I doubt this now. Your dealer is required to do the repair with or without the light according to the way that I read the TSB, which was issued on November 14. Besides, they'll want to do it. It's profit to them to do the labor which will be recompensed by Mazda corporate. Before the TSB, I'm sure that this was their attitude, but it should have changed.

 

yea its in writing now. all VINs within the range should have the oil pan replaced. print that TSB out and show your dealer.