40 days new (to me) & a million problems!
01-08-2013, 11:21 PM
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40 days new (to me) & a million problems!
I bought my RX8 from a dealership about 2 hours away from me. I put 1200 down and financed the rest (10,000). 50k miles, clean car, 6 speed, loved it then (still love it now even with the crazy problems I've been having). I bought from a bigger dealership, not some fly by night tiny dealership. So...here's the SHORT story...
On the way home with the RX8, a light started flashing. I found out it was a bad tire pressure sensor. I checked all the tires to make sure they had the right amount of air and then went on my way. I wasn't too concerned about it, just knew that until I got it fixed, I'd need to keep an eye on the tires.
About 3 days later, it rained. I noticed that the passenger side taillight holds condensation really bad. The driver's side does too, just not as much.
On December 16th, my check engine light came on for about 5 minutes and went back off. I took it to Autozone since it's free to have those checked there, but they said it won't show up unless the light is currently on. I left a message for someone at the dealership, but never got a call back.
After that, the light would come on and then go right back off often, but never when I could get it checked. It finally came on while I was near an Autozone about a week ago. They told me it was a 'cylinder 1 misfire' and that more than likely the spark plugs need replaced. Then if that didn't fix the issue, the next step was ignition coils. Spark plugs are $20 each and ignition coils are $30 each. (I still haven't replaced plugs yet...Christmas broke me!)
This past Friday, I went out to start my car so I could run errands for work. It wouldn't start. Engine turned over but no fire. I checked all the fluids and put a charger on the battery just in case. I also noticed some acid around one of the battery terminals. None of that worked. I contacted the dealership. I explained to the receptionist what was going on and told her I needed to speak with someone right away. I got transferred to someone who on their voicemail said they weren't in on Fridays. This happened several times. Finally got to Bryan in the service department. He told me the spark plugs were actually replaced in November and that I'd have to bring the car there in order to find out what to do. At this point, I'm looking at towing. So I try getting ahold of someone a little higher up since there was not much he could do other than advise me to bring the car there.
Eventually, I got Jim the 'manager'. Jim told me that I had road side assistance through the dealership and that he wasn't sure how far it would cover me but if I got the car there, they would take a look and we'd go from there. I called the roadside service and they had no record of me whatsoever. I left him a message about it and still haven't received a phone call back. However, that same day, I was looking online and found out it may be flooded. 3 hours later I finally got it to start and apparently that was the issue.
Yesterday when I left work, every time I turned my brights to dims or dims to brights, the radio would shut off. That's the first that has ever happened. I stopped at the store on my way home and when I started the car again, that issue stopped. Then on the way home, as I was stopping at a stop sign the car died. When I started it back, the traction control light came on and stayed on. I shut the car off at home and then upon starting it today to get to work, that light went back off. However, on the way home from work, the radio turning off when I mess with the lights is happening again.
Also...not sure if it's normal...but since having the car (I do drive a lot...almost have put 5k miles on it in 40 days) I've had to add a quart of oil twice...normal or not? Also, 2 weeks after getting it, low coolant light came on and added some of that and has been fine since then.
So...40 days after buying this car...I really don't feel like I should be having this many problems! Any ideas on fixing any of this...or how to get the dealership to work with me?
On the way home with the RX8, a light started flashing. I found out it was a bad tire pressure sensor. I checked all the tires to make sure they had the right amount of air and then went on my way. I wasn't too concerned about it, just knew that until I got it fixed, I'd need to keep an eye on the tires.
About 3 days later, it rained. I noticed that the passenger side taillight holds condensation really bad. The driver's side does too, just not as much.
On December 16th, my check engine light came on for about 5 minutes and went back off. I took it to Autozone since it's free to have those checked there, but they said it won't show up unless the light is currently on. I left a message for someone at the dealership, but never got a call back.
After that, the light would come on and then go right back off often, but never when I could get it checked. It finally came on while I was near an Autozone about a week ago. They told me it was a 'cylinder 1 misfire' and that more than likely the spark plugs need replaced. Then if that didn't fix the issue, the next step was ignition coils. Spark plugs are $20 each and ignition coils are $30 each. (I still haven't replaced plugs yet...Christmas broke me!)
This past Friday, I went out to start my car so I could run errands for work. It wouldn't start. Engine turned over but no fire. I checked all the fluids and put a charger on the battery just in case. I also noticed some acid around one of the battery terminals. None of that worked. I contacted the dealership. I explained to the receptionist what was going on and told her I needed to speak with someone right away. I got transferred to someone who on their voicemail said they weren't in on Fridays. This happened several times. Finally got to Bryan in the service department. He told me the spark plugs were actually replaced in November and that I'd have to bring the car there in order to find out what to do. At this point, I'm looking at towing. So I try getting ahold of someone a little higher up since there was not much he could do other than advise me to bring the car there.
Eventually, I got Jim the 'manager'. Jim told me that I had road side assistance through the dealership and that he wasn't sure how far it would cover me but if I got the car there, they would take a look and we'd go from there. I called the roadside service and they had no record of me whatsoever. I left him a message about it and still haven't received a phone call back. However, that same day, I was looking online and found out it may be flooded. 3 hours later I finally got it to start and apparently that was the issue.
Yesterday when I left work, every time I turned my brights to dims or dims to brights, the radio would shut off. That's the first that has ever happened. I stopped at the store on my way home and when I started the car again, that issue stopped. Then on the way home, as I was stopping at a stop sign the car died. When I started it back, the traction control light came on and stayed on. I shut the car off at home and then upon starting it today to get to work, that light went back off. However, on the way home from work, the radio turning off when I mess with the lights is happening again.
Also...not sure if it's normal...but since having the car (I do drive a lot...almost have put 5k miles on it in 40 days) I've had to add a quart of oil twice...normal or not? Also, 2 weeks after getting it, low coolant light came on and added some of that and has been fine since then.
So...40 days after buying this car...I really don't feel like I should be having this many problems! Any ideas on fixing any of this...or how to get the dealership to work with me?
01-08-2013, 11:33 PM
#3
I bought my RX8 from a dealership about 2 hours away from me. I put 1200 down and financed the rest (10,000). 50k miles, clean car, 6 speed, loved it then (still love it now even with the crazy problems I've been having). I bought from a bigger dealership, not some fly by night tiny dealership. So...here's the SHORT story...
1. On the way home with the RX8, a light started flashing. I found out it was a bad tire pressure sensor. I checked all the tires to make sure they had the right amount of air and then went on my way. I wasn't too concerned about it, just knew that until I got it fixed, I'd need to keep an eye on the tires.
2. About 3 days later, it rained. I noticed that the passenger side taillight holds condensation really bad. The driver's side does too, just not as much.
3. On December 16th, my check engine light came on for about 5 minutes and went back off. I took it to Autozone since it's free to have those checked there, but they said it won't show up unless the light is currently on. I left a message for someone at the dealership, but never got a call back.
4. After that, the light would come on and then go right back off often, but never when I could get it checked. It finally came on while I was near an Autozone about a week ago. They told me it was a 'cylinder 1 misfire' and that more than likely the spark plugs need replaced. Then if that didn't fix the issue, the next step was ignition coils. Spark plugs are $20 each and ignition coils are $30 each. (I still haven't replaced plugs yet...Christmas broke me!)
5. This past Friday, I went out to start my car so I could run errands for work. It wouldn't start. Engine turned over but no fire. I checked all the fluids and put a charger on the battery just in case. I also noticed some acid around one of the battery terminals. None of that worked. I contacted the dealership. I explained to the receptionist what was going on and told her I needed to speak with someone right away. I got transferred to someone who on their voicemail said they weren't in on Fridays. This happened several times. Finally got to Bryan in the service department. He told me the spark plugs were actually replaced in November and that I'd have to bring the car there in order to find out what to do. At this point, I'm looking at towing. So I try getting ahold of someone a little higher up since there was not much he could do other than advise me to bring the car there.
6. Eventually, I got Jim the 'manager'. Jim told me that I had road side assistance through the dealership and that he wasn't sure how far it would cover me but if I got the car there, they would take a look and we'd go from there. I called the roadside service and they had no record of me whatsoever. I left him a message about it and still haven't received a phone call back. However, that same day, I was looking online and found out it may be flooded. 3 hours later I finally got it to start and apparently that was the issue.
7. Yesterday when I left work, every time I turned my brights to dims or dims to brights, the radio would shut off. That's the first that has ever happened. I stopped at the store on my way home and when I started the car again, that issue stopped. Then on the way home, as I was stopping at a stop sign the car died. When I started it back, the traction control light came on and stayed on. I shut the car off at home and then upon starting it today to get to work, that light went back off. However, on the way home from work, the radio turning off when I mess with the lights is happening again.
8. Also...not sure if it's normal...but since having the car (I do drive a lot...almost have put 5k miles on it in 40 days) I've had to add a quart of oil twice...normal or not? Also, 2 weeks after getting it, low coolant light came on and added some of that and has been fine since then.
9. So...40 days after buying this car...I really don't feel like I should be having this many problems! Any ideas on fixing any of this...or how to get the dealership to work with me?
1. On the way home with the RX8, a light started flashing. I found out it was a bad tire pressure sensor. I checked all the tires to make sure they had the right amount of air and then went on my way. I wasn't too concerned about it, just knew that until I got it fixed, I'd need to keep an eye on the tires.
2. About 3 days later, it rained. I noticed that the passenger side taillight holds condensation really bad. The driver's side does too, just not as much.
3. On December 16th, my check engine light came on for about 5 minutes and went back off. I took it to Autozone since it's free to have those checked there, but they said it won't show up unless the light is currently on. I left a message for someone at the dealership, but never got a call back.
4. After that, the light would come on and then go right back off often, but never when I could get it checked. It finally came on while I was near an Autozone about a week ago. They told me it was a 'cylinder 1 misfire' and that more than likely the spark plugs need replaced. Then if that didn't fix the issue, the next step was ignition coils. Spark plugs are $20 each and ignition coils are $30 each. (I still haven't replaced plugs yet...Christmas broke me!)
5. This past Friday, I went out to start my car so I could run errands for work. It wouldn't start. Engine turned over but no fire. I checked all the fluids and put a charger on the battery just in case. I also noticed some acid around one of the battery terminals. None of that worked. I contacted the dealership. I explained to the receptionist what was going on and told her I needed to speak with someone right away. I got transferred to someone who on their voicemail said they weren't in on Fridays. This happened several times. Finally got to Bryan in the service department. He told me the spark plugs were actually replaced in November and that I'd have to bring the car there in order to find out what to do. At this point, I'm looking at towing. So I try getting ahold of someone a little higher up since there was not much he could do other than advise me to bring the car there.
6. Eventually, I got Jim the 'manager'. Jim told me that I had road side assistance through the dealership and that he wasn't sure how far it would cover me but if I got the car there, they would take a look and we'd go from there. I called the roadside service and they had no record of me whatsoever. I left him a message about it and still haven't received a phone call back. However, that same day, I was looking online and found out it may be flooded. 3 hours later I finally got it to start and apparently that was the issue.
7. Yesterday when I left work, every time I turned my brights to dims or dims to brights, the radio would shut off. That's the first that has ever happened. I stopped at the store on my way home and when I started the car again, that issue stopped. Then on the way home, as I was stopping at a stop sign the car died. When I started it back, the traction control light came on and stayed on. I shut the car off at home and then upon starting it today to get to work, that light went back off. However, on the way home from work, the radio turning off when I mess with the lights is happening again.
8. Also...not sure if it's normal...but since having the car (I do drive a lot...almost have put 5k miles on it in 40 days) I've had to add a quart of oil twice...normal or not? Also, 2 weeks after getting it, low coolant light came on and added some of that and has been fine since then.
9. So...40 days after buying this car...I really don't feel like I should be having this many problems! Any ideas on fixing any of this...or how to get the dealership to work with me?
1. tpms, check your tires
2. alot of the earlier models do, look up on the forum how to fix it.. you can either drill holes in the bottom or take the taillight off and bake off the lense and then reseal it properly.
3.sounds like a misfire are your coils plugs and wires up to date?
4.yup i knew it.. change your coils plugs and wires RIGHT MEOW. prolonged misfires will clog your cat, if it isnt clogged already and will cause excessive heat buildup which has nowhere to go but back in the engine.. then guess what happens.. if your cat is clogged then you have to buy a new cat. dont use a clogged cat.
5. could be your starter, check to see if the coils plugs and wires are all seated correctly.. Did you flood the car? ie, did you start the car after it was sitting for more than a few hours and then turn it off within 2-4 minutes?
6. im good at this
7. weird... maybe its the battery? possibly your alternator is crapping out? it shouldnt really search for power while your driving the car, that is what the alternator is for.
8.normal.. check the oil every 2 fillups or every fillup.. and keep on top of your fluids, being negligent can lead to a new motor.
9. its not the car, its you. Take care of your maintainence and almost none of these problems would have happened in the first place. its your own fault. i suggest reading the stickies and the FAQ for new owners. it explains all of this.
see how much nicer i was? that doesnt happen often. read the stickies or this car will spit you out within a year of ownership and a bill of over $10k.
01-08-2013, 11:36 PM
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nycgps - I don't know what that means, but it sounds like you're being rude. If I'm doing something wrong you could tell me nicely...all I'm doing is looking for help. If you can't help me in either pointing me the right direction since I'm obviously not doing something right here...or telling me something that can fix the issues with my car then don't waste my/your time.
Last edited by -mandy-; 01-08-2013 at 11:44 PM.
01-08-2013, 11:40 PM
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Thanks Eric. I've taken care of the car the best I can. The only reason it doesn't have plugs is because I've had to order them. I have no choice but to drive it. Single mom, 2 kids, can't afford to lose my job and this is the only vehicle I have. So...how do I tell if the cat is clogged? I read somewhere that you drive it a while at night and if it's glowing there's an issue...?
01-09-2013, 01:40 AM
#6
nycgps - I don't know what that means, but it sounds like you're being rude. If I'm doing something wrong you could tell me nicely...all I want is someone to spoon fed me! If you can't help me in either pointing me the right direction since I'm obviously not doing something right here...or telling me something that can fix the issues with my car then don't waste my/your time.
you are wasting everybody's time, and precious server space.
01-09-2013, 06:05 AM
#7
They are often items like FAQs and New Owner Guides ... stuff like that
Read this
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...t-here-202454/
Last edited by wcs; 01-09-2013 at 06:08 AM.
01-09-2013, 09:31 AM
#10
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It sounds like someone bought a car based on looks and did no research. Read the new owners thread (in blue below my sig pic). We don't mind helping but you have to do your part and at least attempt to educate yourself first.
Oh and don't drill or bake your tail lights, that is just retarded and completely unnecessary. A $5.00 tube of RTV will fix the tail light issue (search).
Oh and don't drill or bake your tail lights, that is just retarded and completely unnecessary. A $5.00 tube of RTV will fix the tail light issue (search).
01-09-2013, 09:48 AM
#12
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It has nothing to do with being an early build, yours will do it eventually. The "updated" gasket is better but it still happens with the updated gasket. The chances are reduced though if your car is garaged and you live in a dry environment.
01-09-2013, 02:26 PM
#13
Rockie Mountain Newbie
Also, if you are a single mom, with 2 kids, while I can understand you wanting to have a nice sporty car, this particular car is NOT what you should have bought if you need a reliable car to drive every day of the week.
I also have to ask, did you dealer that sold you the car mention that YOU HAVE TO CHECK THE OIL LEVEL AND TOP IT UP FREQUENTLY???
I made that all caps and bold so that it sticks out.
If you don't, you will run the car out of engine oil in several thousand miles.
Yes, it will run out of oil.
If you don't have an owners manual for your car, which normally doesn't come with a used car, download one from Mazda's website:
MazdaUSA > MyMazda > Manuals & References
Save it to your computer, and read through it.
BC.
01-09-2013, 03:51 PM
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^Further, did the dealer tell you that this car loves to be redlined on a regular basis? I would love to see a mom with two kids in the back redlining the 8
01-10-2013, 08:08 PM
#15
Welcome to the RX8 Forum, your reception is not much different from many others around here, so don't get offended or upset. pretty standard practice around here for new people who come in and don't search first. As far as the car is concerned, my advice is to sell it and sell it fast, even if you have to take a loss and buy a car with a conventional piston engine. This car is beautiful and awesome to drive but maintenance can not be neglected or it will multiply a small problem into a huge one very quickly. If you are one tight budget even more so. The longer you drive the car in the condition it is in, the worse your problems will become. If you are not open to selling get your routine maintence done ASAP! Coils plugs and wires and take the advice that the others have given regarding the other issues. None of your issues sound serious, but the flooding needs to be addressed yesterday, or it can lead to failure at other points and eventually kill the engine. If you are going to keep it read this site! There are stickies with tons of good information. Read those and you will be armed with all the information you need to address almost any issues that come up with the vehicle. Good Luck
01-10-2013, 10:38 PM
#16
Hate to say it, but +1 for this not being the best car for someone running a tight budget. Engines in these cars don't age well, and it sounds like you don't want to find out you need a new engine at some point. None of the symptoms you describe point to that, and that's good, but what about next year?
Also kudos for actually checking the oil and catching that it uses it. Some people plainly don't look.
Read around, see if you're ready for what could happen with this car.
Also kudos for actually checking the oil and catching that it uses it. Some people plainly don't look.
Read around, see if you're ready for what could happen with this car.
01-11-2013, 03:36 AM
#17
there is no engine issues assume you use the correct oil and premix UNLESS you are running 09+, but even 09+ u still need to use correct oil.
but what the hell, bunch of retarded noobs just randomly get a car without any research. Even if u get a Civic at least get to know if it has a K20 or K24A ... but hey most idiots don't cuz all they wannnnnt is vtEc y0 !
but what the hell, bunch of retarded noobs just randomly get a car without any research. Even if u get a Civic at least get to know if it has a K20 or K24A ... but hey most idiots don't cuz all they wannnnnt is vtEc y0 !
01-11-2013, 04:01 PM
#18
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Thanks Eric. I've taken care of the car the best I can. The only reason it doesn't have plugs is because I've had to order them. I have no choice but to drive it. Single mom, 2 kids, can't afford to lose my job and this is the only vehicle I have. So...how do I tell if the cat is clogged? I read somewhere that you drive it a while at night and if it's glowing there's an issue...?
01-15-2013, 08:27 AM
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I'm gonna attempt to answer everyone in one wack, ha. Let's start with you, nycgps...you're a jerk, I don't like you and I doubt very many other people do either. I don't want spoon fed...that's ridiculous. If I wanted spoon fed, I'd beg for someone else to deal with the issues for me. Before getting this car, I had a 95 z28...when it came to plugs and wires, oil changes, and all regular routine maintenance, I did it myself. But I had to LEARN to do that...it doesn't just happen from reading...I don't need anyone to SPOON FEED me...I need advice and direction so I know what I should be doing and how to fix the problems. I'm a girl but I'm not the idiot you're trying to make me out to be. When I got the RX8...I did some research, but this is my first rotary engine and I'm still learning. The reason I posted every issue my car was having is to make sure it wasn't all from the SAME problem, that may have been a bigger problem than I knew I was dealing with. I've had my coffee so I'll be nice...please don't post on this thread unless you have something worth saying.
To whoever said I bought the car on looks...you're totally wrong. I mean don't get me wrong, if this car was rusted and smashed I wouldn't have bought it...but it wasn't bought solely on looks. I'd been looking for an RX8 for 4 months before I finally found this one.
I've figured out how to deal with a flooded engine...that's not really a big concern to me other than missing work because of it. Since then I found a vid on YouTube of the proper way to start and shut off the RX8 to ensure a long engine life and no flooding. There seems to be some argument on whether you should replace plugs after flooding...I gotta replace mine anyway...and as in the video, before shutting my car off I hold it at 2500 RPM for 10 seconds, haven't had a problem since!
Selling the car is out of the question...I like it, it's mine and I'll do what it takes to keep it. I'm stubborn that way. I'm not on a tight budget...things are just tight after Christmas and after putting down a big down payment and then also paying insurance. Normally I don't have time to spend the money I make...and not that I'm rolling in it...it's just that with work and kids there's not always the time! Speaking of being a single mom...when I was researching cars, my ex husband is the one who suggested an RX8 to me...maybe this was his way of revenge?? Haha.
To whoever said it sounds like an 04...it's a 2005...I decided from the get go I was staying the hell away from the 04's lol. Dealer didn't say jack about checking the oil...however...owned a Honda before and that taught me to always stay on top of oil no matter what kind of vehicle you have.
I'm in southeastern Indiana.
Redlining...won't do it with this car...close is good with me
AND definitely not with my girls in the car! As much as they love doing donuts...that won't even happen with this one. They'll have to wait til I buy something to trash around in and beat on.
Coils, plugs and wires are on the way...I found a good YouTube video showing how it's done and I don't think I'll have any issues there. I'm really sick and tired of the plastic shrouds that are all over the top of the engine compartment. They are annoying but I'm sure they serve a purpose.
To whoever said I bought the car on looks...you're totally wrong. I mean don't get me wrong, if this car was rusted and smashed I wouldn't have bought it...but it wasn't bought solely on looks. I'd been looking for an RX8 for 4 months before I finally found this one.
I've figured out how to deal with a flooded engine...that's not really a big concern to me other than missing work because of it. Since then I found a vid on YouTube of the proper way to start and shut off the RX8 to ensure a long engine life and no flooding. There seems to be some argument on whether you should replace plugs after flooding...I gotta replace mine anyway...and as in the video, before shutting my car off I hold it at 2500 RPM for 10 seconds, haven't had a problem since!
Selling the car is out of the question...I like it, it's mine and I'll do what it takes to keep it. I'm stubborn that way. I'm not on a tight budget...things are just tight after Christmas and after putting down a big down payment and then also paying insurance. Normally I don't have time to spend the money I make...and not that I'm rolling in it...it's just that with work and kids there's not always the time! Speaking of being a single mom...when I was researching cars, my ex husband is the one who suggested an RX8 to me...maybe this was his way of revenge?? Haha.
To whoever said it sounds like an 04...it's a 2005...I decided from the get go I was staying the hell away from the 04's lol. Dealer didn't say jack about checking the oil...however...owned a Honda before and that taught me to always stay on top of oil no matter what kind of vehicle you have.
I'm in southeastern Indiana.
Redlining...won't do it with this car...close is good with me
AND definitely not with my girls in the car! As much as they love doing donuts...that won't even happen with this one. They'll have to wait til I buy something to trash around in and beat on.Coils, plugs and wires are on the way...I found a good YouTube video showing how it's done and I don't think I'll have any issues there. I'm really sick and tired of the plastic shrouds that are all over the top of the engine compartment. They are annoying but I'm sure they serve a purpose.
01-15-2013, 08:36 AM
#20
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Mandy,
A note on the redlining. We don't mean burnouts and clutch drops. We mean full throttle acceleration all the way to redline, shifting there. This is entirely possible to do in 1st gear, then after the shift continue at full throttle up to redline in 2nd gear. That is still even entirely within available speed limits in nearly every part of the country. Certainly don't take what you feel are risks with your girls in the car, but periodically when it's just you, go ahead and do it.
Trust us, we aren't lying to you or leading you astray. It really is important to minimize the carbon buildup in the engine. Staying in the lower RPM range and part throttle will eventually kill your engine as it chokes to death on carbon buildup. If you lug it around for a month or so, then take it out and give it a wankle spanking (as we often term it), you will notice that it will pull stronger, idle smoother, and smell cleaner.
Don't be scared of the redline, on a rotary, it's there largely for transmission heat and cooling capacity. Unlike most consumer piston engine'ed cars, the rotary engine can indeed take it just fine, and it can deal with it consistently. It's one of the unique things about the rotary, and one of the things that we love about it. As long as you don't just sit up there all the time generating tons of heat, there are zero harmful side effects. Just positive benefits that are pretty important to the life of the engine.
A note on the redlining. We don't mean burnouts and clutch drops. We mean full throttle acceleration all the way to redline, shifting there. This is entirely possible to do in 1st gear, then after the shift continue at full throttle up to redline in 2nd gear. That is still even entirely within available speed limits in nearly every part of the country. Certainly don't take what you feel are risks with your girls in the car, but periodically when it's just you, go ahead and do it.
Trust us, we aren't lying to you or leading you astray. It really is important to minimize the carbon buildup in the engine. Staying in the lower RPM range and part throttle will eventually kill your engine as it chokes to death on carbon buildup. If you lug it around for a month or so, then take it out and give it a wankle spanking (as we often term it), you will notice that it will pull stronger, idle smoother, and smell cleaner.
Don't be scared of the redline, on a rotary, it's there largely for transmission heat and cooling capacity. Unlike most consumer piston engine'ed cars, the rotary engine can indeed take it just fine, and it can deal with it consistently. It's one of the unique things about the rotary, and one of the things that we love about it. As long as you don't just sit up there all the time generating tons of heat, there are zero harmful side effects. Just positive benefits that are pretty important to the life of the engine.
01-15-2013, 08:37 AM
#21
Rockie Mountain Newbie
You'll do fine here.
Coils, plugs and wires are on the way...I found a good YouTube video showing how it's done and I don't think I'll have any issues there. I'm really sick and tired of the plastic shrouds that are all over the top of the engine compartment. They are annoying but I'm sure they serve a purpose.
If you can, after you replace those, and put several hundred miles on it, take it in for a compression test, and ask them when your car's original date of sale was. If you are within 8 years, 100k miles, you can get a replacement engine if the car fails the compression test at the dealer, since its an '05.
If the compression test comes back, and they say the cranking speed was below 250, get a rebuilt or new starter installed, and that will help with starting issues due to borderline compression and a weak starter.
Oh, and it might be worth it to pull the MAF out, and see if it could use a cleaning.
There's a whole thread dedicated to the first $100 you should spend on the car.
Read through that, and run down the list.
Also, the plastic shrouds help direct the heat of the engine around and out of the engine bay.
You might want to think deeply before removing too many of them.
BC.
01-15-2013, 08:52 AM
#22
If you like the car then by all means keep it. Shutting your car off while holding the RPM's at 2500 is not necessary...at all. If your ignition system is healthy you will have no problem restarting the car. A good rule of thumb is to simply let it get to operating temperature before you shut it off. If you just need to move it out of the driveway for example let it run for about 5 minutes before you shut it down. Again though if your ignition system is healthy (plugs/wires/coils) this will not even be a problem. I change mine annually regardless of mileage and have never once flooded my car ever. If you don't have time to do the maintenance put it in the shop and have it done. I can not stress to you enough of how small problems snowball into large expensive ones if not addressed.
As far as the internet pissing contest goes, let it go. There are those that have their opinions that are not very nice, and so be it. There is nothing to be gained by going back and fourth on here to see who gets the last word. It's an internet forum and people tend to be more rude and display less respect than they would if they were face to face with someone. Get the items you need to address your cars issues and enjoy your car.
In addition there is no conclusive evidence that redlining your car will prolong engine life. Although there is plenty of people who believe this is the case. You can red line the car without acting a complete fool, burning rubber from your tires and doing donuts. Rapid acceleration while entering highways is one such example just let it rev for a few seconds if you choose to do so. The only thing I can say for sure is that it will not damage the car, providing everything else is in good working order. Now go have fun!
Edited to add: "what RIWWP said!"
As far as the internet pissing contest goes, let it go. There are those that have their opinions that are not very nice, and so be it. There is nothing to be gained by going back and fourth on here to see who gets the last word. It's an internet forum and people tend to be more rude and display less respect than they would if they were face to face with someone. Get the items you need to address your cars issues and enjoy your car.
In addition there is no conclusive evidence that redlining your car will prolong engine life. Although there is plenty of people who believe this is the case. You can red line the car without acting a complete fool, burning rubber from your tires and doing donuts. Rapid acceleration while entering highways is one such example just let it rev for a few seconds if you choose to do so. The only thing I can say for sure is that it will not damage the car, providing everything else is in good working order. Now go have fun!
Edited to add: "what RIWWP said!"
Last edited by kevinande; 01-15-2013 at 08:55 AM.
01-15-2013, 08:54 AM
#23
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I see what you're saying...I guess when I hear redlining, I think of going through every gear that way...but makes sense though. Wankle spanking...sounds like my car would enjoy that, ha.
Funny thing is, I use to have a Honda...and it was the same way...carbon would build up on the intake if you didn't WANKLE SPANK (like that phrase, ha) once in a while. Turns out Seafoam also helps...thank you YouTube...also pissed my neighbors off, but hey...routine maintenance!
Bladecutter...WHAT? A replacement engine free of charge? Please go into more detail in case I'm ever in the situation...
I'll figure out where the MAF sensor is and give it a look...thanks
Yeah...figured they are there for a reason...just a pain to take off and put back on every time I put oil in it or need to get to something. I didn't mean take them off for good...just when I need to and they are right back on.
Funny thing is, I use to have a Honda...and it was the same way...carbon would build up on the intake if you didn't WANKLE SPANK (like that phrase, ha) once in a while. Turns out Seafoam also helps...thank you YouTube...also pissed my neighbors off, but hey...routine maintenance!
Bladecutter...WHAT? A replacement engine free of charge? Please go into more detail in case I'm ever in the situation...
I'll figure out where the MAF sensor is and give it a look...thanks
Yeah...figured they are there for a reason...just a pain to take off and put back on every time I put oil in it or need to get to something. I didn't mean take them off for good...just when I need to and they are right back on.
01-15-2013, 09:05 AM
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Funny thing is, I use to have a Honda...and it was the same way...carbon would build up on the intake if you didn't WANKLE SPANK (like that phrase, ha) once in a while. Turns out Seafoam also helps...thank you YouTube...also pissed my neighbors off, but hey...routine maintenance!
As it turns out, 6oz of seafoam (half a can, which is typical) is about equal to 6oz of distilled water, when ingested in the engine while the engine is running, they both strip about as much carbon, and it isn't all that much that is actually removed.
I just finished running 1 gallon of distilled water through the engine about an hour ago, and will be taking pics in about another hour to see how much got removed this time. It also doesn't generate much steam or smoke at all, so doesn't **** off the neighbors
(it's a concern for me too as the youngest guy in the neighborhood of largely retirees, with a home owner's association)There are some cautions if you do this, as water will set your exhaust to glowing if you have a cat, you will almost certainly need an oil change after you are through due to water contamination (I will be getting an oil sample tested to verify), and I have not yet been able to show carbon removal where it's critical, around the seals, so it may be pointless overall. Test results still pending though.
The 'free engine' mentioned is that all RX-8s have an extended factory warranty on the engine, 8 years or 100,000 miles after the original date of purchase. Carfax usually has the right date if you still have yours from the purchase, otherwise give Mazda a call and they can look it up for you. If your engine fails a compression test, then they will install a remanufactured engine under this warranty. Often there are between $0 and $500ish in extra charges, though this varies from dealer to dealer based on what they feel should be included with the replacement.
And since you seem pretty capable, this link is probably going to be very helpful to you: Foxed.ca - Mazda RX-7 Manuals (the link says RX-7 manuals, but it has the RX-8 manual there too)
Enjoy
Last edited by RIWWP; 01-15-2013 at 09:11 AM.