I just bought a used RX-8 and was wondering how often do I need to check/Change the OIL/ or how deep on the stick? Also, is OK to mix synthetic w/ regular? What are the Side effects?

 

Hello Hotrodcoupes. Nice to have another AZ owner around. What color? What creature comforts? What part of the state are you located in?

I check my oil once or so between oil changes, with oil change at every 3000mi. The owners/service manuals do not call for synthetics. I figure MAZDA knows better than I do

 

two things to help you out. read the owners manual. if the car didnt come with one, go to the dealer and order one.

second, read this thread

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-how-use-search-function-rx8club-com-forum-73846/

 

For us here in Az. Use 20w50. 5W20 isn't good for hot summers.

 

According to my 2005 manual, oil/filter change every 7,500 miles per schedule 1 (normal service) and every 5,000 miles per schedule 2 (heavy service).

And yet my Mazda dealer did the typical addition of 3,000 miles on my sticker after my first change (which was at 3,000 miles). They're still following the old school every 3,000 mile thing. And why wouldn't they, more profits!

A good myth buster type link:

http://www.nordicgroup.us/oil.htm#Oi...ge%20Intervals

 

So 20w50. And what blend do you recommend? Is it ok to switch back and forth between the two? I just bought one(16500) and am guessing that the dealership puts the regular at 5w50. And another question, does your tranny shake/vibrate while in neutral? And does 2nd gear engagement crunch? 1st gear thunk engagement from from neutral?

 

So 20w50. And what blend do you recommend? Is it ok to switch back and forth between the two? I just bought one(16500) and am guessing that the dealership puts the regular at 5w50. And another question, does your tranny shake/vibrate while in neutral? And does 2nd gear engagement crunch? 1st gear thunk engagement from from neutral?

 

Welcome to the club!! I would hate to tell you to use the "search" function for most of your questions, but I'll be nice and point out some main points about this sexy 8...

1) Go with dino oil. Until you catch up to the heated debate on the pros/cons of using synthetic vs. dino, it will be your choice and preference. It will boil down to what you are comfortable with.

2) Change the oil every 3000 miles since our 8 loves to drink it. We have about 3 Qrts that sits in cooler when you change it. Basically, every oil change, you are taking out 60% of the actual oil. Frequent oil change (unlike waiting for 7500 miles), will help your engine mix up the old oil with fresh one: not to mention, for minimal $$ (dollar per quart), you are making your engine last longer.

3) The vibration and gear crunch is normal for the vehicle until you replace it with the synthetic TRANSMISSION and DIFFERENTIAL fluid. Yes, SYNTHETIC is OK for this type of application! Drive it till you get 1000 miles out of it, then add either Royal Purple 75w90 or the Redline brand. You'll notice it vibrate less on neutral after the swap!

4) After 1500 miles or so, add Royal Purple ICE into your radiator. Good stuff!

5) Rev it up to 8000 RPM once in awhile to help you get rid of carbon build-up

6) Do NOT turn off the engine if the car temp meter is not in the middle. You will flood it if you move a short distance and turn the engine off. Best to either drive around the block, park the car where you want it, rev it to 4K, then turn off engine. Otherwise, once the temp meter is in the middle, you can just turn off the engine at your destination point.

7) Invest in a screen for your radiator and oil cooler because chances are, a nice rock will make you shell out $700 for repair!!! I kid you not!!!! Use the search for this topic...

Other than that, there are alot of good stuff on this site. Use the search function for more inquiries....

 

Hey thanks!

 

Good info from icyur2. Of course change oil when you feel comfortable. I would part by adding that my RX-8 manual only calls for 3,000 mile oil/filter changes under the Schedule 2 (severe) for Puerto Rico. Otherwise 5,000 miles. And again, 7,500 miles for Schedule 1 (normal).