Loki

iTrader: (1)

How exactly was the alternator tested? The generator itself might be fine, but the voltage regulator inside might not be.

blue17

Thanks makes sense. I am guessing with my car it had not been regularly run for a while and it now starts 1st or 2nd time. Will come back as an expert in 3 years. Lot of BS when you talk to the supposed experts in Australia as not many sold here. Just keep it stock and maintained is what I have learned.

blue17

Sorry I think you are being taken for a ride. Why would you needed to get a new battery tested? How did they reset ECU (disconnect battery (joke)) and what was their reasoning for doing so (just hope it works). Can you roll start the car and does it run ok? Just find a recommended auto electrician who know the basics as they are not much different to a normal car apart requiring 2 types of spark plugs. Oh its a rotary that is going to be expensive....

Courtneyj09

the person looking at my car suggested having the new battery tested. Not sure why but he did.. Im also not positive how he reset the ecu. I just know that's what mechanic said. The car starts fine every single.time as long as the battery has charge. But as soon as battery is draining it starts having loads of issues. It won't charge back unless u hook a battery charger to it.

Courtneyj09

someone took it off and took it to auto parts store who said voltage and everything tested good....

speedieone

They most likely pulled the ECU fuse to do the reset which resets the memory. Pretty common practice in repair shops.

blue17

2004 manual australian model.
Cranked over but would not fire over after short move. Tried deflood holding foot flat.
Had RACV out they just connected booster battery and cranked engine while pumping gas pedal which I suggested was not a good idea.
Removed spark plugs cranked and then put new ones in.
While at it put in good crankshaft sensor, 14 tooth starter and 720cca battery I had spare. Still no good.
Put timing light on leading sparkplug lead. No flashing.
Now at PROMAZ who previously fitted Bosch coils and Microtech ignitor. Also getting compression test for $160.
Should know the answer in a few days.

blue17

All fixed. Basically did a clean out to get started then replaced L2 coil which was not working properly and looked very deformed. Very happy with the Bosch coils which have been in for 8 years and 70 000km. Also got cat replaced as was on way out. Car doesn't go any faster but sounds faster!
Happy with PROMAZ, their labour is not cheap at $130 an hour but is reasonable given the quality of mechanics and workshop.

HeyPhil

Hello, this is my first post, I hope I'm posted in the correct place. Firstly I'm very thankful for this site, it's been a great help to me over the past several years since I bought my RX-8. I've attempted and successfully completed ever increasingly complex repairs which is something for someone that's attempted little more than a battery replacement or flat tire prior to buying my 2004 RX-8 a few years ago.
Here is my problem. My RX-8 was sitting for 6 weeks in the bitter cold (not by my choice) thanks to some over zealous cops up here in Ontario Canada. I finally got her back and she wouldn't start. (She had been running like a top, easy first time start every time). I had her towed to my place and warmed the car up in my garage and tried again. Same thing, all I hear is a whining sound and chased by another decending whining sound (I've posted a recording I made with a professional mic.).
I have a new battery in the engine, and also tried using good jumper cables.
A few years ago I replaced the spark plugs, coils and cables with top of the line BHR racing coils.
Last week I replaced a 2 year old starter thinking this was the issue, same exact sound.
I also have replaced the CAT not that long ago.

It sounds to me like it's not turning over, I don't hear that 'chug' or feel anything in the cab. Just the whining sounds your hopefully heard in the recording I made. Can anyone suggest what my next step should be? Thanks in advance for your time and expertise!
-Phil

I've also posted the recording here: http://tiltingplanet.com/rx-8_start_attempt.mp3

TheRedRotor

You can try tapping the starter with a hammer, it's possible that the starter is turning but not engaging the flywheel. Either that or it's flooded. If it was OPP they probably tried to move it and flooded it (assuming it was impounded based on the description) but try giving the starter a good snack while someone else turns it over for you first

HeyPhil

Thanks for the quick reply. You were right about the OPP. It was brought in on a flatbed so I hope they didn't try to start it. It's a good thought though, it's possible. I did actually take a hammer and smack the starter a half a dozen times pretty solidly before replacing the starter about a week ago when I first got it back. I assume that it's not the starter since I've got that new one installed now that's brand new. I'll try de-flooding it just in case and update you.

TheRedRotor

No problem! Not surprising whatsoever OPP has it out for us hard lately smh. If the factory de flood procedure doesn't work try disconnecting the fuel pump relay, remove and dry the spark plugs and crank it over with the plugs out of it a few times. It'll blow out all the fuel in the chamber and you can clean and dry the plugs properly then reinstall. I've had a lot of success with that method of deflooding.

HeyPhil

Ya, I was pulled over totally without cause, lights good, clean car, wasn’t speeding, perfectly in my lane. Left me on the side of the highway at 3 AM in a spring jacket at -10C before the wind chill. I nearly froze to death.

Do you recommend the deflooding procedure even if the engine doesn’t sound like it’s cranking? That recording I made I hope is useful. I guess my concern is I might damage something if I’m trying to turn it over without it cranking. Is that a valid concern? Any idea what would cause the car not to crank if it’s not the battery or starter? (I believe I’ve eliminated both of those possibilities by replacing the starter motor and a 2 month old battery that I also jumped to be sure). Thanks again.

blue17

That sounds really weird like the starter motor is not engaging properly. What does it sound like if you you crank for at least 20 seconds. Couple of obvious things to do. Crank while some one is looking in engine bay to check motor is turning over. Try a few roll starts or what ever you Americans call it. Also if you solve the issue make sure you post solution.

TheRedRotor

I unfortunately wasn't able to hear the audio file on my phone, if you're worried about doing damage I wouldn't crank it for an extended period of time. Also if you'd like you can PM me, maybe the file will send better through there and I'll be able to hear what the car is doing before I advise anything further

Accelmoto

Not sure if this is a similar issue but I replaced my 2004 rx8 engine with a pulled one from a salvage yard the compression is good I tried to start it but no dice it cranks but docent seem to have spark I have new plugs coils battery and starter I've tried different deflood methods but no luck any help would be appreciated

TheRedRotor

check the ignition condenser mounted near the coils on top of the housing.

Accelmoto

thanks for the heads up by any chance would you have a diagram or picture of its location just to be on the safe side I have go through this engine more than a dozen times and at this point everything seems the same. It’s my first RX8 and engine replacement in it I love the car but would love it more if it ran again

TheRedRotor

This is what the part looks like and the diagram shows roughly the location. It's grounded to the housing and mounted by the wiring harness bracket that sits on top of the engine.

Accelmoto

Ok Red I found it it is connected I have a spare I can through in is this a common issue?

TheRedRotor

Somewhat common, if you already have a spare worth it to try swapping them. How have you confirmed the lack of spark?

Accelmoto

When the engine spins with the starter there is no attempt to turn over just the sound of the starter

Accelmoto

I have also done a push start and pull start same. There was no willingness to turn over

Accelmoto

Replaced the condenser coil and still nothing same story the engine spins but no attempt to start or turn over I do smell fuel coming out the exhaust so I know I have fuel I also did the 20 break stomp to reset the ESS as well

TheRedRotor

Is the engine itself actually turning? Sometimes starters will turn but not engage the flywheel. You could have a very bad flood. I've seen bad floods create very hard to correct no-start conditions and all it took was about an hour or 2 of deflooding the manual way. Also, do you have an inline spark tester or some other way to verify spark at all 4 plugs?