My 04 MT has started making a subtle raspy sound from the engine during accelreation, when it is under load. It is tied to the engine RPM. It may be my imagination but I think it is also slightly down on power. Not sure about that though.

Could this be a seal on its way out?

 

One of your coil pack is dying. Order them from OnlineMazdaParts.com because the dealer will charge you 3x the price.

 

Hmmm interesting. You are saying one of the 4 spark plugs isn't firing?
Today I say the CEL flash for like 5 seconds, then it went away....

 

Getting intermittent spark under high load. Flashing CEL like that for a few seconds is a misfire. He's right.........time for new coils most likely.

 

Ok, that would be awesome if that is all it is. Should I just replace them all?

 

yes,

and i have a set for sale..

beers

 

PM sent!

 

Man I love the internet. Swapped out 4 new ignition coils, and she's whirring like new.
Bought them from a local Mazda dealer, they were initially $45 each, but after I told them about the internet deals they sold them for $35. Still a little more, but hey I don't have to wait until Thursday anymore.

 

glad you got it running better..

beers

 

Cool, sounds like you got it. For the sake of argument............at some point you should probably think about btter wires and a plug change.

 

Huh, I have the same raspy sound for a long time climbing to upper 3rd of rpm range. This will sound funny. But the raspy sound, is like the sound of a rotary engine flicking its tongue very fast through the front teeth. I keep thinking, "my oil is dirty" yet the sound don't go away after oil changes.

Hard to believe, but I never heard about "ignition coil" before. Another thing they forgot to put in the maintenance schedule. Didn't think anything of it since the sound of exhaust seem to change daily. And more powerful overall at 24,000 than at 50 delivery miles odometer, just not kick in the ***** response like a new spark plugs will.

I will check the Mazda parts counter, see if they sell any "rx8 ignition coil". It is doubtful since Mazda suck. They will probably need to special order. If it seems like a rotard can DIY install, I will get some photo. I know I cannot DIY spark plugs--too risky, too risky. I hope this is simple.

 

Hmm? Why cant you change your spark plugs? How is it risky? lol. Changing ignition coils /spark plugs is maintenance also , just like changing tires...i dont think they will put that in a service manual.... I wouldn't know , i just do N.D.I whenever i feel the need =/

 

Luckily the Mazda dealer don't suck as bad as I anticipated. It is less than 0.4 mile from my home, which usually means it is just quicker to get screwed. But they had them in stock *100A-9U series.

With the help of the DIY topics on this, I was able to perform with some difficulty. There really needs to be better photos on all the lines to remove and how to remove them. I am thinking, maybe I should just make another DIY or update one of the existing DIY topics with step by step photo.

Spark plug is another story. Too advanced, tolerances too tight, too many tools probably. Real easy to screw up bad.

 

Ok it fix my fluttery-flappy sound. No difference in power, maybe even less. Sounds normal now, tame rotary. Before it sounded like the devil.

But for some reason it wasn't affecting power to where I would notice. Just sounded like from hell.

 

It took me under an hour to replace all 4 coils. Pop the engine cover off, disconnect all hoses from the intake and take out the airbox & rubber intake. (amazing how empty the engine bay is after that). Then its just 4 bolts and 4 wiring harnesses. Mad easy. I just did one at a time, to avoid mixing up the order.

 

There's a new raspiness now, right as I cross 4000 rpm in 2nd gear. It sounds like an 18 wheeler honking at me from a quarter-mile away. At first I thought someone was honking at me the whole day.

Maybe it is time for the spark plugs as well, but who knows.

*honk*.... *honk*..... That's how it sounds like. Maybe I will have time this weekend to get a recording.

 

honk honk?

well thats a new one.