I have read the Engine Flooding thread (up to page 30...and currently still reading), however would like an assured answer please.


Here's the story:

I am a stupid student and bought a 2003 MAZDA RX8, 49,000kms.
Bought the car in March 2011. First New Zealand owner, imported from Japan.

After 1-2 months of driving it finally flooded...
Got it towed to a mechanic, he ripped me off just by replacing the spark plugs RE7C x 2 and RE9B x 2, for $500!! Anyways, I am treating it as the cost for a lesson...

I was told to meet another mechanic to do a computer upgrade along with the installation of a new starter motor, which will cost another few $1000's...OMG!


My question is:
1 - Will I be able to get some sort of warranty from MAZDA that is transferable to me? since I bought my vehicle 2nd hand?

2 - If I do qualify for warranty, what would it be? or what should I push for and ask for from Mazda Dealerships mechanics?

3 - If I don't qualify...what are the best options to GREATLY minimize or have a chance of almost 0, of getting my vehicle flooded once again? Should I install the new starter motor and computer upgrade?



Thanks for ready guys~!
And your thoughts will be greatly appreciated...Thanks!

 

Tony, I'm pretty sure the extended warranty only applies for the US , as your 8 is over the 3 year basic warranty. As you probably know, the plugs are around $100.00 NZ , The ECU upgrade takes around 10 minutes and the dealer would not charge for this, as far as the starter , they are around $250.00 NZ , I would look for a better and honourable mechanic , maybe one of the members of this forum would offer you assistance to fit it with you, they seem to be okay guy's .

 

Thanks CRO8TIA for your reply, =)

Do you know if getting the ECU upgrade and starter motor will further prevent the problem? I hope it does...

Thanks!

 

While I agree you should have the ECU firmware up to date, I'm not sure that the new starter motor is necessary. A week ignition and low compression will also cause flooding. Have the dealer check that while it is hooked up to their tester. Check the battery to see if it is putting out the expected voltage. Coils go bad way too early on this car. They are available in auto parts stores, in the U.S., for about $50 each. Plugs (NGK) are $20. You can contact one the site vendors to see what price they will give you. BHR (Black Halo Racing)sells a ignition system that replaces the stock coils and should last for the life of the car. I have found that it smooths out the idle. Others have seen a improvement in gas mileage.

 

Thanks alnielsen~

I had a look at the BHR ignition system, costs $499+ shipping from their website. Do you think it's really necessary? Will I be able to feel the improvement? Or any economical alternatives?

At this stage I think I will definitely get the ECU firmware update. Will get this first thing done monday hopefully

 

It is pricey and I bought one used. If it is worth it depends on how long you plan on keeping the car. The stock coils are said to last about 30K miles/50K kilometers. If you replace those a couple of times then you have put in as much as for the BHR ignition.

 

It really depends on how you drive your car? I have a GT Rx8 04 with 64,000 miles and I still have my original coils, my first Rx7 86 had 110,000 miles with original coil and my twin turbo Rx7 91 had 60,000 went I sold it to move to the WA State, and at the time I had never heard of flooding in an Rx7 car, yet again at the time I live in Puerto Rico. But went it comes to my Rx8 I pull it out of my garage wash it and put it back in, with out warming it up and I have never had any problem.

I drive my car hard 30% of the time, the other 70% of the time its park or driving to work 2 miles down the road and back.

 

Stock plugs/coils/and wires that are well maintained in a well maintained engine will last you a while. Mine have lasted over 60K miles = 100K km.

Its all in how well you maintain the vehicle. Thats not to say a random coil failure cant happen, but why replace all 4 if the other 3 are functioning perfectly.

 

I had flooding issues, I could start the car better when it flooded after plugs, the problem went away after I replaced the coils. I can drive out of the garage, shut down to wash the car, drive back in, no issues. Does smell a little rich, but no issues.

Also, I did some work on the grounds (see $100 thread below) and that helped a lot as well. All the stuff in that thread is good for a new owner.

Good Luck.

 

Thanks for your help guys!

I plan to service my vehicle since I have not done so since I purchased back in March 2011.
I will see if the battery needs replacing, along with possibly a new starter motor and coils =).

Will update my decision here afterwards too =)!

Thanks again!

 

...and get a compression test just to make sure were your engine is stacking up, because it's an 03/04, the year of the car is made where most problems exist.

 

went to mazda dealership, the only one in New Zealand called John Andrew Mazda.

They gave me a quote for servicing which costs $400NZD ($320USD), does not include oil change or filter changes. The computer update has 2 types, and cost $65 if I update both together.
Is that a reasonable price?

If so I plan to take it in for servicing in the next few days, still need to book a time.

Have also checked the battery with help from a staff at "supercheapaustos" and it seems to be fine, however was told it seems to be an old battery, but still runs well.

 

I recommend getting the ECU update. It's free in the US, but $65 (either currency) is not a lot and there are significant improvements in oil metering and anti-flooding.

What's included in the $400NZD service?

Ken

 

I booked my servicing for this Friday, at another branch, the Auckland City branch this time. They seemed to be a lot nicer and better service attitude.

The quote was $350, and includes oil and filter change. They will do a thorough Mazda inspection, and anything else that needs changing they will let me know the price before doing so on the report.

Will be taking my 8 to them on Friday, will update when it's done =)!

Thanks!

 

Latest update:

Got servicing today, $350NZD, includes oil and filter change. Also did a free ECU update.
Everything else was fine.

Will try drive the RX8 properly, wait for it to heat before switching off, and rev to 4000rpm before switching off. Hopefully no more flooding will occur.

Thanks to everyone that posted here and provided advice, greatly appreciated!

Thanks guys!

 

If the engine is warm, you don't need to rev it up before turning it off, as the fuel mixture would not be rich enough to cause flooding.