Owning a new RX8 Do's and Dont's?
02-04-2008 | 01:51 PM
#26
Do's and Dont's:
DO know everything about this car before you come to the forum (after all, this isn't a place to ask questions...right nycgps?).
DO be a professional suck-up to the senior forum members.
DON'T ask any questions that may expose or reveal your lack of knowledge about the rx-8 (or risk being called a noob or more).
DON'T ask for help, a primitive search feature that is sometimes difficult to use is your only friend here.
DON'T try to stick up for yourself or defend yourself when a senior member insults you, calls you a noob, or makes sarcastic remarks towards or about you (or risk being banned, having your reputation be destroyed, or be further insulted).
/sarcasm off
pathetic how some people ruin the forums for others...
DO know everything about this car before you come to the forum (after all, this isn't a place to ask questions...right nycgps?).
DO be a professional suck-up to the senior forum members.
DON'T ask any questions that may expose or reveal your lack of knowledge about the rx-8 (or risk being called a noob or more).
DON'T ask for help, a primitive search feature that is sometimes difficult to use is your only friend here.
DON'T try to stick up for yourself or defend yourself when a senior member insults you, calls you a noob, or makes sarcastic remarks towards or about you (or risk being banned, having your reputation be destroyed, or be further insulted).
/sarcasm off
pathetic how some people ruin the forums for others...
02-04-2008 | 04:21 PM
#29
Registered RX-8 User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 718
Likes: 0
From: PA/MD
Mike06, I have only been on here a few months and it gets old really fast people keep asking "just got one, what do I do", and can only imagine how many times people have seen it that have been on here for many years. If you car is that important to you, why don't you take time to learn about it? There is a sticky just for these questions, and if you don't like to read it paste it into Microsoft Sam (control panel-> speech) and he will read if to you.
Plus when people keep posting these threads it makes it harder to actually search, because they start filling up your results and category areas.
Plus when people keep posting these threads it makes it harder to actually search, because they start filling up your results and category areas.
02-04-2008 | 04:31 PM
#31
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa, Ontario
https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...56&postcount=1
RX8 - FAQ for New Owners
(note: this needs to be moved into the FAQ section and made a sticky)
So you just bought your first RX8, or you bought a used one, and you have a rotary engine you not familiar with. First off, relax, its really not that different, but here are the little things you’ll want to do / know to make sure you enjoy the car and it lives a long and happy life.
The following is a brief summary of the rx8club.com forums collective wisdom after nearly 95,000 threads and 1.7 million posts. It is not totally comprehensive, but will cover most of the major issues for first time rotary RX8 owners. Most of the recall issues only apply to cars built before the 2006 model year, but double check you car just in case.
1. Occasional Aggressive driving is good – First off its fun, second, it helps prevent carbon buildup in the engine and intake system. Make sure you rev to at least 7500rpm to make sure all the intake valves open. You don’t need to redline every start, but once a day is fun and good for the car.
Oh, and please don’t attempt the 7000rpm clutch dump launches the magazines did to get their 0-60mph numbers. This is not the aggressive driving that is mentioned above. Its suicide for your clutch and transmission.
2. Make sure your car has the latest PCM flash and recalls – Below are the major recalls that seem to have affected most people. Most are simple and can be done by the dealer in a day.
a) PCM (Powertrain Control Module) Flash – The RX8 has a very complex computer driving the engine that has gone through several firmware upgrades. Make sure your on the latest PCM flash from the dealer.
b) In the summer of 2006, a major emissions related recall was conducted on 2004-2006 RX8’s related to catalytic converter, and in some cases engine failures. For most people, the recall simply involved a PCM update, some owners had faulty catalytic converters replaced, and some owners had engines replaced. If you own a used vehicle, make sure recall 4206F was performed.
c) Ignition Coils – older cars had coils that overheated and would misfire, its easily to tell by flipping a coil over and looking for a burn spot on the back side of the coils. Mazda redesigned the coils in 2006.
d) Starter and Battery – the original 04/05 RX8’s had a weak starter and battery that could contribute to flooding. Hard starts are the main symptoms, and the dealer can install an upgraded starter battery package to fix the issues.
e) Upgraded Spark plugs – along with the starter, the leading spark plugs went through a redesign in the 2005 to help with flooding issues. These improved plugs should be the only leading plugs you buy. (part #NGK RE7C-L)
f) Rough Idle – the Engine mounts and mount brackets were redesigned in 2005 to alleviate rough idle issues. Heat from the exhaust manifold can also damage the passenger side engine mount. Check with you dealer about an upgrade if this is an issue.
3. Use only OEM spark plugs – The RX8 and RX7 use special unique NGK plugs designed for rotary engines. The plugs should be replaced about every 25,000 miles, which is sooner than most piston engines.
4. Whats the deal with flooding? - Flooding is the term for the engine not starting due to excess fuel into the combustion chamber from a cold start and shutdown. Rotary’s, and most other cars, run rich at warm-up and then gradually lean out as the engine warms to operating temp. Starting a cold engine and immediately shutting it down before its warmed up can lead to excess fuel being left in the combustion chamber which makes the engine struggle to light off. The simple solution to not flooding is to properly warm the car up (coolant temp needle to the half way point) before shutting the engine off. Flooding tends to happen when people move their car to wash, repair or service something then immediately shut the engine down. The stronger starter and resigned plugs listed above have helped to alleviate this issue, but just make a practice of warming the car up before shutting it off.
5. Check the oil level every other fillup or twice a month – The rotary engine injects oil to lubricate the apex seals in the engine, so it naturally burns oil, especially the harder you drive. Most owners keep a quart of oil in the car at all times and check the oil twice a month.
6. Hitting the track? Toss in a little premix – If you going to drive the car especially hard for extended periods of time, it is wise to add 4/6oz of two stroke oil to the fuel for extra seal lubrication. Its not required, but it’s a good safety measure to protect the engine
That’s really it folks, there are of course other specific issues, but the above covers 90+% of the issues and problems associated with the RX8. Hopefully this provides a framework to better understand your car and the forums. Additional technical service bulletins and recall information can be found at
http://www.finishlineperformance.com...ins_index.html
RX8 - FAQ for New Owners
(note: this needs to be moved into the FAQ section and made a sticky)
So you just bought your first RX8, or you bought a used one, and you have a rotary engine you not familiar with. First off, relax, its really not that different, but here are the little things you’ll want to do / know to make sure you enjoy the car and it lives a long and happy life.
The following is a brief summary of the rx8club.com forums collective wisdom after nearly 95,000 threads and 1.7 million posts. It is not totally comprehensive, but will cover most of the major issues for first time rotary RX8 owners. Most of the recall issues only apply to cars built before the 2006 model year, but double check you car just in case.
1. Occasional Aggressive driving is good – First off its fun, second, it helps prevent carbon buildup in the engine and intake system. Make sure you rev to at least 7500rpm to make sure all the intake valves open. You don’t need to redline every start, but once a day is fun and good for the car.
Oh, and please don’t attempt the 7000rpm clutch dump launches the magazines did to get their 0-60mph numbers. This is not the aggressive driving that is mentioned above. Its suicide for your clutch and transmission.
2. Make sure your car has the latest PCM flash and recalls – Below are the major recalls that seem to have affected most people. Most are simple and can be done by the dealer in a day.
a) PCM (Powertrain Control Module) Flash – The RX8 has a very complex computer driving the engine that has gone through several firmware upgrades. Make sure your on the latest PCM flash from the dealer.
b) In the summer of 2006, a major emissions related recall was conducted on 2004-2006 RX8’s related to catalytic converter, and in some cases engine failures. For most people, the recall simply involved a PCM update, some owners had faulty catalytic converters replaced, and some owners had engines replaced. If you own a used vehicle, make sure recall 4206F was performed.
c) Ignition Coils – older cars had coils that overheated and would misfire, its easily to tell by flipping a coil over and looking for a burn spot on the back side of the coils. Mazda redesigned the coils in 2006.
d) Starter and Battery – the original 04/05 RX8’s had a weak starter and battery that could contribute to flooding. Hard starts are the main symptoms, and the dealer can install an upgraded starter battery package to fix the issues.
e) Upgraded Spark plugs – along with the starter, the leading spark plugs went through a redesign in the 2005 to help with flooding issues. These improved plugs should be the only leading plugs you buy. (part #NGK RE7C-L)
f) Rough Idle – the Engine mounts and mount brackets were redesigned in 2005 to alleviate rough idle issues. Heat from the exhaust manifold can also damage the passenger side engine mount. Check with you dealer about an upgrade if this is an issue.
3. Use only OEM spark plugs – The RX8 and RX7 use special unique NGK plugs designed for rotary engines. The plugs should be replaced about every 25,000 miles, which is sooner than most piston engines.
4. Whats the deal with flooding? - Flooding is the term for the engine not starting due to excess fuel into the combustion chamber from a cold start and shutdown. Rotary’s, and most other cars, run rich at warm-up and then gradually lean out as the engine warms to operating temp. Starting a cold engine and immediately shutting it down before its warmed up can lead to excess fuel being left in the combustion chamber which makes the engine struggle to light off. The simple solution to not flooding is to properly warm the car up (coolant temp needle to the half way point) before shutting the engine off. Flooding tends to happen when people move their car to wash, repair or service something then immediately shut the engine down. The stronger starter and resigned plugs listed above have helped to alleviate this issue, but just make a practice of warming the car up before shutting it off.
5. Check the oil level every other fillup or twice a month – The rotary engine injects oil to lubricate the apex seals in the engine, so it naturally burns oil, especially the harder you drive. Most owners keep a quart of oil in the car at all times and check the oil twice a month.
6. Hitting the track? Toss in a little premix – If you going to drive the car especially hard for extended periods of time, it is wise to add 4/6oz of two stroke oil to the fuel for extra seal lubrication. Its not required, but it’s a good safety measure to protect the engine
That’s really it folks, there are of course other specific issues, but the above covers 90+% of the issues and problems associated with the RX8. Hopefully this provides a framework to better understand your car and the forums. Additional technical service bulletins and recall information can be found at
http://www.finishlineperformance.com...ins_index.html
exactly what I was looking for
thanks!
02-04-2008 | 04:46 PM
#35
to those calling other rude and such... sure they might be a little harsh... but really, I didnt think the whole section called "The RX-8 FAQ" with the description of "Please read before posting" was that hard to figure out.
02-04-2008 | 05:40 PM
#41
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa, Ontario
not hard to figure out, no.
somewhat difficult to locate, yes.
Perhaps it's just me, however the layout as to where the location of this FAQ thread is not "obvious".
I was looking for the "stickies" and naturally scrolled the to top of the active thread page.
It didn't naturally come to me to back out, and look allllllll the way past the subsections, and vendor stuff.
02-04-2008 | 06:52 PM
#46
Hello everyone, im new here and just as new to owning the RX8.
My RX8 is just 5 days old and I am looking for the general, owning a new RX8 "Do's and Dont's" list in a nutshell.
Your input and advice on how I should best treat my new RX8 would be MUCH appreciated.
Thanks and best regards,
Akay
My RX8 is just 5 days old and I am looking for the general, owning a new RX8 "Do's and Dont's" list in a nutshell.
Your input and advice on how I should best treat my new RX8 would be MUCH appreciated.
Thanks and best regards,
Akay
02-05-2008 | 03:41 AM
#49
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Ireland
Wow, talk about opening a can of worms!
Thanks to those who had some constructive input and actually answered the original question...helpful people seem to be an endangered species on forums nowadays!
PS. I like pie too.
Akay.
Thanks to those who had some constructive input and actually answered the original question...helpful people seem to be an endangered species on forums nowadays!
PS. I like pie too.
Akay.
02-05-2008 | 10:04 AM
#50
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
Guy you have to get used to it. Forums are about posting questions and information. We all have had questions and reposted and not been able to find something in search. Just get used to it.
Now on that note I won't create a new thread but ask , when you people say redline the car each day , do you have to do it while driving like on first gear and do 50mph? Or can you just do it in park and rev? Also how long should you do it?
And to the original poster, don't be put off there is alot of great information here. I am a first time rotary owner, and don't know alot about cars in general, enough to do damage. I am a computer guy that is my strong suit. But read through the faqs and the do it yourselfs section. I learned tons of information and facts there. I just browse through them when work is slow.
Now on that note I won't create a new thread but ask , when you people say redline the car each day , do you have to do it while driving like on first gear and do 50mph? Or can you just do it in park and rev? Also how long should you do it?
And to the original poster, don't be put off there is alot of great information here. I am a first time rotary owner, and don't know alot about cars in general, enough to do damage. I am a computer guy that is my strong suit. But read through the faqs and the do it yourselfs section. I learned tons of information and facts there. I just browse through them when work is slow.