Rotary longevity?
#26
Follower of CHRIST!!!!!!!
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Planet Earth
Posts: 3,241
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Although rotaries require more maintenance attention, and this may sound strange, but it I've found that you bond more with the car.
"It builds character I tellz ya..."
#27
I took a 1988 Rx7 non turbo to 179,000 miles. I beat the hell out of it, but my mother had it for the first 75,000. I would say any non turbo rotary should last least 175k if properly cared for.
#28
Lawyer in training :)
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 913
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just cross-referenced this on another thread, but I think it's worth reiterating: Renesis durability issues
#30
Lawyer in training :)
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 913
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yay, my 200th post! ![](http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/aktion/action-smiley-033.gif)
![](http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/aktion/action-smiley-035.gif)
More on this topic, I just saw today that Consumer Reports gave the RX-8 a bad rating on overall reliability (although I didn't find the justification for their rating since they only rated the car poorly on fuel economy and back seat comfort). I didn't get a chance to read through the article thoroughly on the news stand, so if anyone has a subscription, check it out...
![](http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/aktion/action-smiley-033.gif)
![](http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/aktion/action-smiley-035.gif)
More on this topic, I just saw today that Consumer Reports gave the RX-8 a bad rating on overall reliability (although I didn't find the justification for their rating since they only rated the car poorly on fuel economy and back seat comfort). I didn't get a chance to read through the article thoroughly on the news stand, so if anyone has a subscription, check it out...
#31
Registered
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Virginia/Maryland
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I plan to add a turbo (only 7psi probably) onto my 8 when one become available. How does everyone think this will affect the durability and lifespan of the renesis?
#32
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Misinformation Director - Evolv Chicago
Posts: 3,086
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
With Forced Induction, durability will be compromised. But as long as you properly care for the engine in that scenario, it should still surpass 125K.
#33
I don't buy Kool-Aid
![Wink](https://www.rx8club.com/images/icons/icon12.gif)
Originally Posted by Aragorn
Replacing an Audi TT with 170K miles since July 99. What is the longevity history of the rotaries? RX7 or RX 8. Caaertainly expect to incurr expenses equivilant to a major TT service - Timing belt etc. ~ $1200-1500 @ 90k miles.
#34
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Canyon Lake, TX
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have been with Rotaries since 1973. They do not like siting and cold start. So one that drives a lot will last longer than the occasional short distance driver. They actually will require less maintance if you just watch the basics: OIL & WATER (coolant) levels. The rotary makes a lot of power and HEAT. So if the oil or water gets low it can over heat internally and damage seals. Also you should not add water, but coolant as water can increase inside corrosion, especially in the internal hot areas. In normal use the first wear related problem, in most cases, is increased oil consumption. If the user doesn't notice this the oil level can go low enough to cause internal damage. The gas seals will also wear and this is normally noticed by higher starter motor cranking speed (less compression resistance) and posible hard starting. Besides these two areas and normal spark plug, fan belt, and radiator hose replacement there is not much else to go wrong. This of course is ignoring abuse like constant high boost, over reving, junk in gas or oil etc.
#35
in love with curves
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Chattanooga TN
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My fd went to 88000 on virgin motor and then went through 4 motors consecutively before being sold with rebuild at 130,000
My 88 10th anny went to 133000 on orig engine..rebuilt and upgraded turbo, yada yada yada put down 311 rwhp then sold still on 2nd motor
My 74 repu still on orig motor with 168000...got to love those early 13b's they overbuilt these for sure
My RX8 showing 4300 and still on orig engine......whoopie( jumping up and down in glee with fingers crossed behind back)
My 88 10th anny went to 133000 on orig engine..rebuilt and upgraded turbo, yada yada yada put down 311 rwhp then sold still on 2nd motor
My 74 repu still on orig motor with 168000...got to love those early 13b's they overbuilt these for sure
My RX8 showing 4300 and still on orig engine......whoopie( jumping up and down in glee with fingers crossed behind back)
#36
Mmmmm... Rotary Donut
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Lake in the Hills, IL (NW Chicago Burbs)
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
2 Posts
For you new guys that didn't see this video from last year (I saved it before the link died)... this is great proof of the rotary's durability. These guys have an FC with one blown rotor and decide to see how long the engine can handle revving WOT at 9k... they both expect it to last less than 30 seconds. This thing ends up going for over 7 minutes (dragging a dead rotor the whole time), and it only died because they left the radiator cap off and the coolant cooked off overheating the motor. Very impressive...
http://huntleyfire.com/pop.wmv
http://huntleyfire.com/pop.wmv
#38
X-Sapper
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: where angle's fear to tread
Posts: 2,392
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
lol i love that video :D oh and this is my first rotary but my lill 8 just passed 26,000 miles on it no problems at all with the engine ( oil ahs been changed every 3000 miles) :D i love this car
#41
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: San Francisco / San Jose
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah, I agree with the guys. As long as you maintain it well, it will be trouble free. My 1979 1st gen RX7 has 220K original miles on it. It has carburetor problems right now but it still runs!
My other old 2nd gen TII did about 120K miles before it popped. Not well maintained.
My other old 2nd gen TII did about 120K miles before it popped. Not well maintained.
#42
Originally Posted by markd
I just cross-referenced this on another thread, but I think it's worth reiterating: Renesis durability issues
I read this cross referenced Thread, and wondering if anyone w/ over 20,000 miles on their RX8 has experienced any loss in hp or excessive seal wear, or any other unusual hiccups??
#43
No doubt it will come down to how owner drives and maintains car. Sure you'll have the slight risk of an early defect causing engine to go, but that applies to all cars. I do think however, for those how mod it, or drive very hard, constantly running high rpms, they will see a shorter life. I do believe the same story will hold true as with past n/a rotaries. If you keep an eye on oil level and overheating, you will see many miles out of it. We will be seeing failing rx8s in future, but that shouldn't worry you, because it's how You treat car, that will determine it's life.
#44
Engine Overheating
Talking about the oil fills and coolant, how likely is overheating the engine, esp. living in Southern Cali... driving along in congested traffic in the middle of summer w/ average temps in the 90's?? Are Rotaries, esp. the Renesis, prepared for these??
#45
Mmmmm... Rotary Donut
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Lake in the Hills, IL (NW Chicago Burbs)
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
2 Posts
Originally Posted by mzdoggmann
Talking about the oil fills and coolant, how likely is overheating the engine, esp. living in Southern Cali... driving along in congested traffic in the middle of summer w/ average temps in the 90's?? Are Rotaries, esp. the Renesis, prepared for these??
#46
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Canyon Lake, TX
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I started with Mazda Rotaries in 1973. There was a big problem then as the "O" ring between the housings, like a head gasket, would burn through in ~ 30K miles and 3 years for the commuters. It was not a problem for the high mileage guys as the "O" ring was only burned during the warm up period when the aluminun housings were not up to temp. Also any cooling system problem caused overheating and "O" ring damage. In 1974 Mazda started using a special coated ring, larger better designed radiator, water pump, and hoses that eliminated this problem. JD Powers made a big deal about the Rxs failing in 30K back in 1973. Mazda fought this report saying the numbers were wrong, but it was accuraqte. Then in 1974 Mazda replaced MANY engines for free to satisfy the customers.
Then in 1974 the energy crises hit as Mazda introduced the RX4, Cosmo, and REPU, so expected high sales. Instead the poor milage (EPA 10~12 guys) caused poor sales and many cars sit at port storage yards near ocean salt water. This caused corrosion to the steel housinga and resulting early wear of the internal oil seals. This was amplified by a oil dip stick that was too long and caused many owners to run the oil too low with resulting rotor overheat - rotor expansion and sever rubbing on the steel housings further increasing oil usage until the engine locked up from lack of oil. The funny thing is that the rotors need little cooling around town, but did need it on the highway. So it was common to see a Mazda on the side of a highway with a locked up engine.
I did have a unusual problem with my REPU once. I had been at Lake Havasu with my boat (20' ski boat). Had been camping out so had a lot of stuff loaded in both the truck and boat, so real heavy. I had done this a number of times so had no worries. But on the way back I got stuck in a strong head wind. So strong that I had to run at full throttle on the down hills let along the up hills. Did over 100 miles at full throttle in mostly 3rd gear. Well no problem on the trip, but after that the engine became hard starting. Since it ran OK once started I ignored it for a while. Three months later I decided to overhaul the engine and found the only thing wrong was the apex seal springs had lost their tension! All else looked good, so just put in new springs and put it back together. The long hard pull must have overheated the springs - softening them.
Another issue you new RX8 people should know about is that the coolant in the rotary needs to be anti-freeze even in Florida! The reason is the steel and aluminum housings are different material and there can be sever corrosion if plan water is used. Any old time Mazda guy can tell you about housings with holes into a spark plug hole or exhaust port!
All these problems were cured by the time the RX7 was released with improved parts, low oil sensors, low water sensors, etc. As long as the owner keep the engine full of oil and water the engine will easily last a long time. There is no timing belt to replace. The Carb on older engines and EFI on newer engines are not that much different from other cars, so should have the same reliability.
Then in 1974 the energy crises hit as Mazda introduced the RX4, Cosmo, and REPU, so expected high sales. Instead the poor milage (EPA 10~12 guys) caused poor sales and many cars sit at port storage yards near ocean salt water. This caused corrosion to the steel housinga and resulting early wear of the internal oil seals. This was amplified by a oil dip stick that was too long and caused many owners to run the oil too low with resulting rotor overheat - rotor expansion and sever rubbing on the steel housings further increasing oil usage until the engine locked up from lack of oil. The funny thing is that the rotors need little cooling around town, but did need it on the highway. So it was common to see a Mazda on the side of a highway with a locked up engine.
I did have a unusual problem with my REPU once. I had been at Lake Havasu with my boat (20' ski boat). Had been camping out so had a lot of stuff loaded in both the truck and boat, so real heavy. I had done this a number of times so had no worries. But on the way back I got stuck in a strong head wind. So strong that I had to run at full throttle on the down hills let along the up hills. Did over 100 miles at full throttle in mostly 3rd gear. Well no problem on the trip, but after that the engine became hard starting. Since it ran OK once started I ignored it for a while. Three months later I decided to overhaul the engine and found the only thing wrong was the apex seal springs had lost their tension! All else looked good, so just put in new springs and put it back together. The long hard pull must have overheated the springs - softening them.
Another issue you new RX8 people should know about is that the coolant in the rotary needs to be anti-freeze even in Florida! The reason is the steel and aluminum housings are different material and there can be sever corrosion if plan water is used. Any old time Mazda guy can tell you about housings with holes into a spark plug hole or exhaust port!
All these problems were cured by the time the RX7 was released with improved parts, low oil sensors, low water sensors, etc. As long as the owner keep the engine full of oil and water the engine will easily last a long time. There is no timing belt to replace. The Carb on older engines and EFI on newer engines are not that much different from other cars, so should have the same reliability.
#48
X-Sapper
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: where angle's fear to tread
Posts: 2,392
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by mzdoggmann
I read this cross referenced Thread, and wondering if anyone w/ over 20,000 miles on their RX8 has experienced any loss in hp or excessive seal wear, or any other unusual hiccups??
i just hit 31,000 miles..no problems with the engine at all. she still runs like a champ..power is still kickin' lick jackie chan..and she drinks less oil than gandma:p
only issues i had was my whole evap system had to be replaced b/c teh dealership in ga was full of a buncha **** flinging monkeys. ah well. aside from dealership error...nothign has been wrong with my baby:p knock on wood:D
#50
contrary to what non-educated people say, rotaries can last just as long as piston engines.
you just have to take better care of them. i plan on my rx8 lasting over 100k miles (if i keep it na).
you just have to take better care of them. i plan on my rx8 lasting over 100k miles (if i keep it na).