So I have noticed from time to time, my car is hard to start. It is always after it has already been running, and driven for a few miles. Basically, the car starts up in 1-2 seconds normally, but about once every two weeks it will take about 4-5 seconds of cranking for it to start, always after having driven it a few miles.

I recently had the battery checked out and replaced, so it isn't anything like that. My question is, is this something I should be worried about? It has never actually not started, and I've never had to crank more than once, but it is definitely alarming when it happens. It starts right up in the cold. I've been reading some posts about hard starting around here and they all seem to end up getting a compression test, and a replaced engine, which really scares me.

 

You might be getting some carbon buildup on the plugs. I would recommend changing the plugs and wires as that is always good to do on these cars. Stick with OEM NGK plugs seeing as how those seem to be the best from what ive heard. Also if you havnt cleaned the engine recently i recommend using Seafoam or some Mazda Engine cleaner. Works wonders on these motors. You should see noticable differences in starting and running.

Also what year is your car give us some info with mods if any and any other previous issues you may have had. Some models still have the weak starter and that is a cause for hard starting as well. Also if funds are there chweck out the BHR Ignition upgrade. MUST HAVE for all Rx8 Owners

 

It is a 2004 with about 38k miles. There are no mods that I know of. Is there a BHR ignition kit DIY floating around anywhere? I've read a few threads and it doesn't sound like it's very difficult, but I'm not much of a mechanic either. I'm not afraid to try, I just have zero experience.

 

When it takes longer, is it actually trying to start? You know, like sputtering and things?

When my coils were going bad, it took longer and longer to start, but also made nasty noises the whole time like it was trying to fire up but not quite making it.

The odd thing is, ever since having the coils replaced 1.5 years ago, it STILL takes 4 seconds to start (used to only take 1-2), but it seems to just be waiting that long to get fuel or whatever... it doesn't' sputter in the meantime, just waits 4 seconds, then fires up normally. I'd assumed a newer flash might make it wait longer to avoid flooding.

 

No funny noises on normal starts, or even the longer starts. It just makes the normal cranking sound then fires up like normal. The only difference is the amount of time it takes to do so. I just spoke with the guy I bought it from (friend at work) and he changed the plugs at about 30k. I'll pop them out this weekend and check them out. It also looks like I should check the gap on each one which I've never done to any car, but I'll figure it out

 

Sounds good, Keep us posted on the results from checking the plugs and There should be Instructions on here for the BHR ignition install. Its not going to be hard im sure its Plug and play meaning your going to remove the factory ignition and install the Upgrade. My 2005 starts up in 1-2 seconds in any weather or after any drive. Never had her hesitate to start. but my 2004 sometimes would crank for 10 seconds and not start. It would take like 5 tries before firing up.. Thats why i wont buy another 2004 because they seemed to have all the problems.. I recommend getting that upgraded starter for sure!

 

For what it's worth, mine started taking longer to start AFTER I got the upgraded starter and battery (after flooding it), which is why I wondered if the longer cranking time was part of a flash or something to fix flooding issues.

It's kind of scary taking so long, but I'm kinda used to it now too. And (knock on wood) it's always started, even after letting it sit for 3 days or so and then starting it in -2 degrees

 

Warm start issues typically equate to poor compression. Get new plugs, wires, and coils if you have not already done so. This may help for the short term anyways. Seafoaming the engine also couldn't hurt. If this does not correct the issue have a compression test done. I would recommend having the compression test done after installing the new plugs, wires, and coils regardless if it appears the issue was resolved or not. I was having warm start issues and went through the steps I mentioned above. Ultimately it came down to I needed a new engine. Hope this helps.

 

How bad were your warm start issues? Just curious.

 

Bad especially during the Summer months. I would typically wind up flooding the engine from over cranking and then have to go though the deflood procedure before it would start. As I stated the new coils, plugs, and wires seemed to mask the issues for a couple months but they ultimately returned. Get your compression checked and post your numbers. We will tell you if you need a new engine based on those compression results.

 

Compression test is a MUST!!! these motors are very delicate and any little thing can cause u to lose compression and hopefully that is not your problem or else your in for a hell of a ride..