I'm starting this thread not only for myself but for anyone that may have the same horrible luck as me. This is the 2nd year in a row my rx8 has stopped starting after parking it for the winter. Last year it turned out to be the starter motor, so I replaced it. This year I'm at a loss and need some guidance. I replaced the spark plugs early spring 2016, the ignition coils around July 2016 and last night the spark plug wires. Basically she cranks but won't start up. I smell gas after the attempts to start but no luck. So I took out the start park plugs, cleaned and dried them then cranked for 20 seconds with the gas pedal to the floor and saw/smelt the fumes. After re-installing the spark plugs I tried to start it but it wouldn't go (note: I tried that method with the old spark plug wires) any and all help is much appreciated I can't seem to figure this one out.

 

Are you sure your battery is good?

 

I've been charging the battery to full before these starting attempts so that's why I wasn't to focused on the battery especially because it cranks but do you think maybe it just dosent have enough power anymore? It's not very new and I think it's a low maintenance not no-maintenance. Could it just need some distilled water?

 

I just measured it's reading at 12.34 volts but I don't have a load tester not sure how many CA or CCA

 

Does it sound its cranking slow? A damaged but charged battery may not be able to produce enough current to get the started up to the rpm required for startup. A video could help.

Do you have an induction timing light to check if the coils are in fact firing?
Are you sure the spark plugs are connected to the correct coils?

 

It does sound a little slow, I'll go take a video and attempt to upload right now. I do not have an induction timing light and also don't know how to use one (I'm only a 1st year apprentice). The spark plugs should be corrected to the proper coils because I replaced the wires one at a time to make sure I didn't mess that up but I'm going to double check it anyway. To my knowledge the coils are ordered 1. Front leading 2.front trailing 3. Rear leading 4. Rear trailing, is that correct?

 

 

okay so i have the order right then, i have to go out to the car now and double check i wired them that way. im trying to upload a video now.

 

i tried to upload the actual video but it was too complicated so i posted it on youtube and am going to add the link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXlmLdaAiFU

please watch to the very end, its only 9 seconds.

 

Sounds slow to me.

 

I'm buying a load tester right now I'll update you on what readings I get, battery is supposed to make 650 cca

 

Yeah it sounds slowish. Compare to other RX8 starting videos on youtube. If you have an OBD reader you could look at what rpm it's actually cranking at

 

My good scanner is at the shop I wouldn't be able to measure it until tomorrow, I'm about to go do a load test now.

 

Not sure how the battery is supposed to produce 650 CCA but the load tester says it's around 800 CCA?? Now I'm really confused

 

Tool some photos

 

okay so i was able to make it to princess auto right before close and buy a 730 CCA battery and it STILL wont start, doing the same thing as in the video at about the same speed. so battery is now off the list

 

Are you doing the deflood procedure again?
Try pulling the fuel pump fuse and crank it for about 8-10 seconds 7 or 8 times with about a 30 second break in between.
Then try to start it normally.

 

Okay I'll try that one tomorrow,- thanks. I'll update after I try it

 

I just hooked up my good scanner and found out she's cranking at 297 rpms. Anyone know what they crank at on average?

 

That's good, on the high end of normal cranking speed. Low would be 200 or less.

 

Okay then, tonight after work I'm pulling a plug snd gunna try and start it wile Its connected to the wire and see if theres and spark. I'll update after I've completed the test, should be home in an hour and 45 min

 

Okay so tonight I pulled all the plugs and fuel pump fuse and cranked for 5 seconds twice, then re-installed the plugs and sure enough she started up. Turns out I was severely over thinking a simple (but pretty bad) flood. Thanks to everyone for their assistance I really appreciate it

 

Good news.
Thanks for the update.
It flooded for a reason, hopefully it was just a weak battery.

 

Im going to monitor it for now but hopefully no more issues. Optima red top on the way soon 😏