Hey guys I have a 2005 Rx8 Gt approx 70,000KMS. A couple weeks ago my car would only start on the second or third crank. I took it into a Mazda Dealer (Canada - Car originally from US) and he had a look. Couldnt find anything wrong with the computers or starter. I paid $118 for him to go deeper and found a compression problem and said I needed a new engine. How much and also since then my car has always started on the first crank:S so do I need a new engine? Idles fine and is an automatic so shifting is really smooth. Also warranty claim was denied, by Mazda Canada saying I do not have sufficient records even though I have many! :'( Main Question: DO I NEED A NEW ENGINE AND IF I DO HOW MUCH?

 

Ask for the compression numbers (along with the RPM) and we can tell you if its actually low.

I did a compression test on my car this past weekend while I was changing plugs.
So this is what it should look like:
Front Rotor:
Face1.....Face2.....Face3.....RPM
102.29...100.54...105.43....242
108.62...106.50...111.83....250 (normalized)

Rear Rotor:
Face1.....Face2.....Face3.....RPM
112.24...109.01...106.46....248
117.20...113.85...111.20....250 (normalized)

Basically... you want the numbers for each rotor facing (3) and for each rotor (2) along with the RPM.
Your readout may not have the "normalized" values like I calculated with mine, just get the three sets of numbers with the RPM for each rotor.
With this information we can tell you if its low or not.

 

how much is that test? and can i go to any shop?

 

I paid $400 for my tester.
Dealer charges between $100-$175 (I've heard... never asked myself).
Any shop that has a Rotary compression tester can do it... good luck finding that outside of the dealer or any known Rotary shops.

 

I had Mazda Canada do my test for $106 + Taxes

 

Thanks for the prices, I might just take my new to me 05 RX8 in for a test.

72,XXX miles and from the service history reports its on the orginal motor and I cant find a entry stating that any comprssio test have been completed.

 

Ok guys I have got the papers from Mazda and they state as following

Rotor 1:
640....620.....660...250Rpm

Rotor 2:
610....610.....620....250RPM


And also Mazda Canada Denied my warranty claim stating I don't have sufficient papers to prove I have been taking care of this car, but I've got most records. This is a US vehicle and I called Mazda USA and they asked for my VIN Number and said their is till power train warranty left on the vehicle and we don't need any previous records so will Mazda US accept my claim?

 

Those readings are in kPA, which standard is 830 and minimum is 680.
Definitely new engine time.
If you called MazdaUSA and they said its still covered and no paperwork is required, have them talk to the dealer.

 

Im not going to have them talk to the dealer its just going to cause more trouble Ill just come across the boarder and take it to a USA dealer. thank you for you help though Jon316G and others PS Not to far away about an hours drive already scheduled an appointment