I was under the impression that the RX-8 doesn't accept a block heater (for whatever reason) but my dealer assures me that it can and that mine has one installed. And on inspection that's what it appears to be. It's definitely not a pump that heats and circulates coolant. The service mgr. in a fit of honesty said Mazda Canada "doesn't specifically recommend" installing block heaters but they do it anyway because it gets so ****ing cold here, it's the only commensense thing to do. (He didn't say "****ing," though. So now I'm hoping they knew what they were doing and that my engine won't blow up one fine day. Comments?

 

Interesting to say the least! What sort of block heater? The Renesis can't use the Mazda block heater from the FD RX-7 due to space limitations, and there are no Mazda freeze-plug replacement type of block heaters available as far as I know. Is it a stick-on oil pan heater?

Regards,
Gordon

 

Photos please, we don't have them in Europe and it is *****ing cold here too!

 

Have you experienced any drop in the fuel consumption?
I feel that my 8 drinks extremely much when it is cold.

 

It's probably a tank-type heater. Simple to install, just splice into a heater hose and mount it somewhere. Not very expensive, either. JC Whitney carries them.

 

Very simple, never seen one of those before. On inquiry I found out they use them is some of the Scandinavian countries in Europe.

Regarding the initial question, the heater cannot possible cause any damage so I think you are safe to install it. I don't know why Mazda Canada doesn't allow it, probably warranty (coolant leaks). Can you ask them why?

 

I always thought the 8 might need one of these to avoid the "flood" issue, but I'm in FL so I probably don't need it.

 

Will do. I have to pick up some floor mats next week and will make some inquiries then.

 

shaving weight off the 8 is too expensive... gahhh light flywheel pullies racing seats, tit. exhaust. wheels, OH MY GAWD! thats already.... 5000? MORE! 8000??? MORE! including installation and crap.... omy

 

Uh, are you OK?

 

Something may have been off with the forum's mySQL database.... I noticed some other misplaced posts around that time.

 

back to the topic... found that Defa is selling block heaters to RX-8, in Finland. These are not same kind of heaters I have experienced with other models, instead this is just attached to the side of the engine block. Does anyone have any experience of these?

More details
http://www.defa.com/finn_dok_h.php3?...=2&lang=&ndid=

 

Yes, it's that time again!

If I didn't have one already, I would certainly try that Finnish model.

I have a stick-on on the bottom of the oilpan, works great.

S