New RX8 Owner

GySgtFrank · 06-28-2014, 01:47 PM

Probably your best bet to begin diagnosing your problem would be to take it down to the Mazda dealer and have a compression check done (rather than chasing a bunch of silly stuff around in circles). Usually a couple hundred dollars, depending on the dealership.

The most common problems with the first generation RX-8s that I have heard tell of are low compression, a less than stellar ignition system, and a crappy starter. It could be any of these, but the low compression would be the most serious.

To repeat what has been told to me by people that rebuild these things regularly:

Low compression, this would require a rebuild if it is the problem. The first gens had insufficient oil injection to the rotors in an attempt to cut down on oil use. Bad idea as rotaries require oil just like a two stroke. Easiest fix is to premix 2 stroke oil with your fuel to give it a little additional lubrication. The shorter apex seals didn't help things either.

Most people upgrade the coils as the stock coils were marginal when new and get worse quickly.

The starter did not spin fast enough and has also caused hot start issues. The fix for this is to use the starter from the 2nd generation 8s. Pricey, but worth it. So I've been told.

caveat: I don't own an 8. This is what I have been told by those that work on them regularly and what I have seen others struggling with. We'll see if I get any arguments from those that actually own one.

rotaryman13 · 06-30-2014, 09:11 AM

Everything that Sgt said is true. If you find a nice dealer the service department can run your VIN number and tell you what has been done to the car. If the previous owners didn't have the computer reflashes done, it may very well need an engine. Start by trying to find out the history, and have them do a compression test. Any updates that were not performed should still be free for you. Go to pettitracing.com and go to the guide and then rx8 recommendations. Racingbeat.com also has a rotary tech tips section that is helpful. I would add to these that you need to change your spark plugs every 15-20k miles. Rx8club.com has a lot of good info in the new owner stickies, but don't go on there asking basic questions because you will just be told to search. I have 86k on the engine in mine and enjoy it very much. Good luck with yours, and I hope your engine is ok. My first car was a $600 1977 MGB, and I have been hooked on sports ever since.

06-28-2014, 01:47 PM	#1
GySgtFrank Professional Stick Poker Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Stafford, Ks. Posts: 1,012 Rep Power: 16	Probably your best bet to begin diagnosing your problem would be to take it down to the Mazda dealer and have a compression check done (rather than chasing a bunch of silly stuff around in circles). Usually a couple hundred dollars, depending on the dealership. The most common problems with the first generation RX-8s that I have heard tell of are low compression, a less than stellar ignition system, and a crappy starter. It could be any of these, but the low compression would be the most serious. To repeat what has been told to me by people that rebuild these things regularly: Low compression, this would require a rebuild if it is the problem. The first gens had insufficient oil injection to the rotors in an attempt to cut down on oil use. Bad idea as rotaries require oil just like a two stroke. Easiest fix is to premix 2 stroke oil with your fuel to give it a little additional lubrication. The shorter apex seals didn't help things either. Most people upgrade the coils as the stock coils were marginal when new and get worse quickly. The starter did not spin fast enough and has also caused hot start issues. The fix for this is to use the starter from the 2nd generation 8s. Pricey, but worth it. So I've been told. caveat: I don't own an 8. This is what I have been told by those that work on them regularly and what I have seen others struggling with. We'll see if I get any arguments from those that actually own one. __________________ 1988 N/A SE 2+2, dead stock and staying that way. 1979 SA22C stock? Not so much. http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...ad.php?t=15585 Last edited by GySgtFrank; 06-28-2014 at 01:52 PM.

06-30-2014, 09:11 AM	#2
rotaryman13 The Newbie Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 5 Rep Power: 0	Everything that Sgt said is true. If you find a nice dealer the service department can run your VIN number and tell you what has been done to the car. If the previous owners didn't have the computer reflashes done, it may very well need an engine. Start by trying to find out the history, and have them do a compression test. Any updates that were not performed should still be free for you. Go to pettitracing.com and go to the guide and then rx8 recommendations. Racingbeat.com also has a rotary tech tips section that is helpful. I would add to these that you need to change your spark plugs every 15-20k miles. Rx8club.com has a lot of good info in the new owner stickies, but don't go on there asking basic questions because you will just be told to search. I have 86k on the engine in mine and enjoy it very much. Good luck with yours, and I hope your engine is ok. My first car was a $600 1977 MGB, and I have been hooked on sports ever since. Last edited by rotaryman13; 06-30-2014 at 09:19 AM.