Hello all first post

I recently brought a 2004 rx8 on ebay it was cheap. I never got to see it as it had 2 hours left and was cheap. Now i've seen it run its slow to start and really over fuels. I haven't drove the car on the road yet.

This is my first rotary So I don't have a clue where to start.

The car is a uk 2004 231(228) with 68,000 miles on the clock.

I've been told it will be the coils?

Also the car could have been doing this for up to a year so will it have damaged the engine?

Any help appreciated.

thanks

 

You are brave buying a 04' RX-8 site unseen. Not sure what you mean by over fuels but I would start with a compression test rather than spending money on coils, plugs, wires, etc.

 

I didn't know the compression would be a problem as it runs no problem just very rich fuelling :S

I'm used to slivias not rexs.

Like I said it was impulse buy(stupid I know) It does have full service history.

 

What exactly is making you think that it is running rich ... you just shooting in the dark here?

 

Ah, running rich. Are you reading the AFR's with a datalogger or just guessing by reading spark plugs? If you have service history that is good, when were the plugs and coils replaced?

Plugs typically last 20,000 miles and coils anywhere from 30,000-50,000 miles.

 

It smells very strong of petrol when running and the AFRs are on the rich side. it has flooded a few times as well.

I don't have the paperwork on me at the mo its still in the car at a friends place.

Alot of people seem to think it will be needing a set of coils or a lambda sensor.

Means its been running this rich for up to a year will this have damaged the engine?

 

Running rich should not have any negative effects on your engine. It can damage the spark plugs and catalytic converter though. But mostly you are just wasting gas...

Start with the cheap and easy. Clean the MAF and reset your cars ECU, also couldnt hurt to Make sure the airfilter is in good condition

 

I agree, start easy. Clean MAF, change air filter, replace spark plugs, then coils. But if you are having hot starts and power loss, consider a compression test before you spend money on all that stuff. Since you are in the UK, you do not get the extended engine warranty so saving money in the event you need a new motor is a good thing.

 

Ok I will have a better look tomorrow. I will have a look in to the compression test. Engine rebuilds aren't cheap in the uk £2500+ So will just sell the car for bits if i have too

 

New plugs and a clean MAF.

They all 'smells very strong of petrol' - nature of this beast.

Flooding and black plugs are also 'normal'.

Probably fine.

 

I really hope so else the girlfriend won't be very impressed :S I already have 4 cars :D

Its a lovely car other than the over fuel issue has the full sat nav, kuro black, black and red leather, pretty clean has the odd stone chip and scratch.

 

By "over fuels" do you mean that the pump doesn't shut off in time and there is a bit of spillage? Others on here also have that issue.

 

I know what you mean. You really have to pampered this car with money. Anyway, if i have the choice to trade it in, i will with an Evo, and no more rotary powered engine anymore. I still like to keep the rx8 for a long time, but the issues and maintenance is making me crazy.

 

I think shes finished

I tried this morning to get it started it would not start at all

then tried to start it about 10 mins ago fired up first time. So I think it must have low compression?

and in need of a engine rebuild

 

...or it was flooded...again.

 

Well, if you have 4 cars you should certainly be able to afford a rebuild. Just sayin...

 

Thats why I can't afford a rebuild

I tried to do the hot start but it won't start at all now again to even get it warm.

Im a bit confused by it now.




but when it does start how good do they sound get that great burble.

 

If you have maintenance records, when were the ignition system components last changed? Also, the starter?

Some people have had luck nursing some more life out of motors with poor compression, but if those repairs have already been done, it is just good money after bad.

 

You said the car was cheap, if it was cheap enough then just resell it and get rid of the car with hopefully a minimal loss. Seems like your only option since you say you cannot afford the rebuild.

 

The old starters are small. I just had it replaced yesterday at dealer for $450 and it's physically alot larger which means bigger magnets and more windings. The car actually spins up faster than my v8 Ford now. If the rotors don't spin fast enough they will flood.

I doubt your car has flooded or bad compression as it started 10 minutes later.

I have had my 04 with 62k now on it for less than a year but bought it to race and go fast only. I just added up my bills and it has cost me $1USD for every mile I've driven it = $2600 repairs/parts on top of gas and oil. I think I'm ahead of the game now and should be good for at least 6-12 months without anymore nonsense other than tires of course

Be warned these cars get really bad mpg. I average 16-22mpg depending on whether racing or driving to the event. You pay like $8/gal in UK yikes. Twice what it is here.

The only thing you need in your tool kit is a good cell phone, a quart of oil and AAA Plus towing to own one of these cars and not worry about starting, etc.

I love my car. I hope you sort your's out too.

 

Yeah I like the car I wanted a Rx7 for year and years but I don't want any rust and the nissan 200sx(240sx) is giving me nightmares.

I've been offered what I paid for the rex but dunno weather thats the right thing to do.

I think a lot more testing is needed and a compression test(when i can find someone that can do it).

I think if it does need a rebuild I might have a go at it myself. I know a few people that are and have rebuilt a 13b. The rebuild kits are £900 in the uk.

So anyone else got tests I can try to route out wether its a sensor or coil problem or engine is dead problem. I don't know anyone that can compression test it

What I know so far to make it easier:

The car would not run for a full day

then started first time the day after.

Runs very rich.

Now won't start again

It was service 8000 miles ago it doesn't list what was done :angry:

Total millage is 68,105 its a 2004 228(231)

Its black and it has sat nav :wack:

 

I suggest giving the factory service manual a shot, you can test the coils, etc.