Help!!!! - Page 2

Nicole · 05-18-2015, 09:15 AM

First and foremost how old are the plugs and coils. [/QUOTE]

Not sure if you saw the comment, but I did have the plugs replaced. They were replaced by the initial garage I took it too, but I had the Mazda dealer verify the plugs were quality. I'm going to assume they were telling me the truth because they would have had an opportunity to sell me new Mazda plugs if they told me they sucked lol.

I don't know anything about coils. Except for, like, on a stove.

I guess that is something I'll need a mechanic to look at.

Nicole · 05-18-2015, 08:48 AM

Well that is encouraging news! I forgot to mention, though, that I have already replaced the spark plugs, if that factors into any of this. They were not Mazda spark plugs, but when I took the car to the Mazda dealer I asked him to make sure they were good quality and if not, to replace them with Mazda plugs - I've been told that there is a marked difference. I was told the plugs were quality and did not need to be replaced. Also - not related to what we are talking about at the moment, the initial garage I took this too told me (after they ran out of ideas) that I needed a new catalytic convertor and was about to charge me $500 for one. That's when I took it to the dealer, they checked it, and told me it was totally fine.

So let me make sure I am getting this straight, it is possible this is some sort of electrical issue and it is still drivable for a while on low compression? I think I would still like to sell it for obvious reasons (I am not cut out for working on this car no matter how pretty it is!) but once the issue is addressed it would be ethical to sell it as is? It really does run beautifully. I fell in love with it when I test drove it. It is SCARY fast, and the pick up is amazing. I don't know if this is a standard feature on RX8s, but mine is automatic with a "paddle" to opt to drive it manually. Other than this issue this car looks brand new, inside and out.

Pete_89T2 · 05-18-2015, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicole

So let me make sure I am getting this straight, it is possible this is some sort of electrical issue and it is still drivable for a while on low compression?

Yup, the fact that you said when it does run it runs well proves that out

For any engine to run, you need 3 things - spark, fuel & ENOUGH compression to get the air/fuel mixture to go boom when the spark fires. You can have low compression, which isn't optimal, and means your car makes less power than it was designed to, but it still has enough compression to run, possibly for a lot of miles.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicole

I think I would still like to sell it for obvious reasons (I am not cut out for working on this car no matter how pretty it is!) but once the issue is addressed it would be ethical to sell it as is? It really does run beautifully. I fell in love with it when I test drove it. It is SCARY fast, and the pick up is amazing. I don't know if this is a standard feature on RX8s, but mine is automatic with a "paddle" to opt to drive it manually. Other than this issue this car looks brand new, inside and out.

Personally, I think it's ethical to sell it as long as you disclose the issues up front to the buyer.

Nicole · 05-18-2015, 08:50 AM

And again - you guys are so awesome! I am literally a damsel in distress here. lol

Fendamonky · 05-18-2015, 09:08 AM

You attached the picture correctly.

That's... lovely!

(sarcasm obviously).

Yeah, you'll def want to get your car looked after. I am NOT an electrician (I avoid it because I KNOW I'm no good at it, lol) so I won't comment on wiring stuff.. I would def have it looked at by somebody that knows what they're doing and has a good attention to detail.

Nicole · 05-18-2015, 09:19 AM

and btw - I had the air filter replaced pronto after seeing that picture. What a mess. I could strangle that guy. He knew I was a single mother and that I was spending the money I got from my recently totaled car. People can be such a-holes.

t_g_farrell · 05-18-2015, 09:28 AM

Hopefully the rodents didn't get past that filter and eat up a bunch of wiring. Based on
your descriptions of it running, it sounds like its mostly intact now. I would put money on
it that all you need is someone savvy about rx8s and wiring to go through the whole car
and make it sure its all working right plus any maintenance issues like coils, filters and
hoses. Dealers are not the folks to take it to. Another place to look at is Rotorsports up
here near Charlotte, NC in Kannapolis.

You can also try the rx8club.com which has a larger rx8 savvy audience.

Nicole · 05-18-2015, 09:34 AM

Charlotte is only a few hours away from me - that is doable. You would recommend them?

JL1RX7 · 05-18-2015, 09:39 AM

http://www.rx7world.com/ Ernst is another one in Rock Hill. I have bought parts off of him over the years. Never had any issues with that.

Nicole · 05-18-2015, 09:47 AM

Rock hill might be even closer! I just want to make sure if I am going to take it a few hours away, I pick the best for the situation, which is sounding like a thorough inspection of all wiring hoses etc. Unfortunately, I don't trust driving it there in case it dies on the way, so I'll have to pay to have it towed. But it will be worth it if it turns out I can get this thing working again without replacing the engine. You all have given me so much hope! I know there aren't any guarantees, but your input is very encouraging. You guys rock!

Pete_89T2 · 05-18-2015, 10:04 AM

^Before driving it anywhere, check the specifics of any towing coverage your insurance might provide. If you don't have coverage, or you have some minimal coverage (e.g. 10 miles worth or something), often you can purchase extra coverage, and cancel it later. Or buy separate AAA coverage that does the same. Bottom line is make sure you have enough towing coverage to get from point A to B in case the car craps out on the way to the shop you're going to bring it to.

Like the others have said, you'll want the shop to systematically check out the car's electrical systems & wiring and fix whatever is broken. You'll probably want them to replace the old coils given their age.

Nicole · 05-18-2015, 10:13 AM

Yes I am DEFINITELY not going to drive it. I've already looked into long distance towing since I had to get it down to my brother's, 3 hrs away. That time it worked out that my soon-to-be son-in-law rented a trailer and towed it down there with his truck, which was much cheaper than traditional towing. I'll figure something out. But this is all sounding like a good plan. I have so much more hope now.

Nicole · 05-18-2015, 10:15 AM

And I am really hoping the coils are a big part of the problem, as they are not something that has been mentioned, much less replaced. I'm guessing replacing the coils would be considerably cheaper than a new engine. LOL

Nicole · 05-18-2015, 10:17 AM

So I guess now - any and all input as to who to take it too. All suggestions welcome.

JL1RX7 · 05-18-2015, 10:27 AM

Call around. See who can work on it with your schedule and your budget.

Not burst your bubble, but be prepared for a rebuild. Auto's with more the 50k on them are on borrowed time. Most do not get the coils/plugs changed soon enough, leading to carbon build up. Which leads to clogged cat, and blown motor soon after that.

Once the motor is warmed up running it higher in the RPM band will help keep the carbon from building up. But carbon build up in automatic rotaries has been on going issue for a long time.

2004 RX8's had a few recalls on them to help with that. Find out if they have been done or apply to your model. I know the current one on the airbag inflator is one to get done sooner than later.

05-18-2015, 09:28 AM	#7
t_g_farrell Waffles - hmmm good Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Huntersville, NC Posts: 757 Rep Power: 0	Hopefully the rodents didn't get past that filter and eat up a bunch of wiring. Based on your descriptions of it running, it sounds like its mostly intact now. I would put money on it that all you need is someone savvy about rx8s and wiring to go through the whole car and make it sure its all working right plus any maintenance issues like coils, filters and hoses. Dealers are not the folks to take it to. Another place to look at is Rotorsports up here near Charlotte, NC in Kannapolis. You can also try the rx8club.com which has a larger rx8 savvy audience. __________________ 1980 GS stockport, Fat Nikki, RB Dual Facetfuel pumps, Holley regulator, RB Street port exhaust, 2GDFIS, MR2 MK I electric fans, 2G strut bar, relayed fans, lights and fuel pump, LEDs Project Fat Nikki Budget 12A rebuild Video setup < $30.00

05-18-2015, 09:15 AM	#1
Nicole The Newbie Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 29 Rep Power: 0	First and foremost how old are the plugs and coils. [/QUOTE] Not sure if you saw the comment, but I did have the plugs replaced. They were replaced by the initial garage I took it too, but I had the Mazda dealer verify the plugs were quality. I'm going to assume they were telling me the truth because they would have had an opportunity to sell me new Mazda plugs if they told me they sucked lol. I don't know anything about coils. Except for, like, on a stove. I guess that is something I'll need a mechanic to look at.

05-18-2015, 08:48 AM	#2
Nicole The Newbie Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 29 Rep Power: 0	Well that is encouraging news! I forgot to mention, though, that I have already replaced the spark plugs, if that factors into any of this. They were not Mazda spark plugs, but when I took the car to the Mazda dealer I asked him to make sure they were good quality and if not, to replace them with Mazda plugs - I've been told that there is a marked difference. I was told the plugs were quality and did not need to be replaced. Also - not related to what we are talking about at the moment, the initial garage I took this too told me (after they ran out of ideas) that I needed a new catalytic convertor and was about to charge me $500 for one. That's when I took it to the dealer, they checked it, and told me it was totally fine. So let me make sure I am getting this straight, it is possible this is some sort of electrical issue and it is still drivable for a while on low compression? I think I would still like to sell it for obvious reasons (I am not cut out for working on this car no matter how pretty it is!) but once the issue is addressed it would be ethical to sell it as is? It really does run beautifully. I fell in love with it when I test drove it. It is SCARY fast, and the pick up is amazing. I don't know if this is a standard feature on RX8s, but mine is automatic with a "paddle" to opt to drive it manually. Other than this issue this car looks brand new, inside and out.

05-18-2015, 08:50 AM	#4
Nicole The Newbie Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 29 Rep Power: 0	And again - you guys are so awesome! I am literally a damsel in distress here. lol

05-18-2015, 09:19 AM	#6
Nicole The Newbie Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 29 Rep Power: 0	and btw - I had the air filter replaced pronto after seeing that picture. What a mess. I could strangle that guy. He knew I was a single mother and that I was spending the money I got from my recently totaled car. People can be such a-holes.

05-18-2015, 09:34 AM	#8
Nicole The Newbie Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 29 Rep Power: 0	Charlotte is only a few hours away from me - that is doable. You would recommend them?

05-18-2015, 09:39 AM	#9
JL1RX7 Rotary Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Front Royal, VA Posts: 487 Rep Power: 18	http://www.rx7world.com/ Ernst is another one in Rock Hill. I have bought parts off of him over the years. Never had any issues with that.

05-18-2015, 09:47 AM	#10
Nicole The Newbie Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 29 Rep Power: 0	Rock hill might be even closer! I just want to make sure if I am going to take it a few hours away, I pick the best for the situation, which is sounding like a thorough inspection of all wiring hoses etc. Unfortunately, I don't trust driving it there in case it dies on the way, so I'll have to pay to have it towed. But it will be worth it if it turns out I can get this thing working again without replacing the engine. You all have given me so much hope! I know there aren't any guarantees, but your input is very encouraging. You guys rock!

05-18-2015, 10:04 AM	#11
Pete_89T2 Lifetime Rotorhead Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Elkton, MD Posts: 874 Rep Power: 16	^Before driving it anywhere, check the specifics of any towing coverage your insurance might provide. If you don't have coverage, or you have some minimal coverage (e.g. 10 miles worth or something), often you can purchase extra coverage, and cancel it later. Or buy separate AAA coverage that does the same. Bottom line is make sure you have enough towing coverage to get from point A to B in case the car craps out on the way to the shop you're going to bring it to. Like the others have said, you'll want the shop to systematically check out the car's electrical systems & wiring and fix whatever is broken. You'll probably want them to replace the old coils given their age.

05-18-2015, 10:13 AM	#12
Nicole The Newbie Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 29 Rep Power: 0	Yes I am DEFINITELY not going to drive it. I've already looked into long distance towing since I had to get it down to my brother's, 3 hrs away. That time it worked out that my soon-to-be son-in-law rented a trailer and towed it down there with his truck, which was much cheaper than traditional towing. I'll figure something out. But this is all sounding like a good plan. I have so much more hope now.

05-18-2015, 10:15 AM	#13
Nicole The Newbie Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 29 Rep Power: 0	And I am really hoping the coils are a big part of the problem, as they are not something that has been mentioned, much less replaced. I'm guessing replacing the coils would be considerably cheaper than a new engine. LOL

05-18-2015, 10:17 AM	#14
Nicole The Newbie Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 29 Rep Power: 0	So I guess now - any and all input as to who to take it too. All suggestions welcome.

05-18-2015, 10:27 AM	#15
JL1RX7 Rotary Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Front Royal, VA Posts: 487 Rep Power: 18	Call around. See who can work on it with your schedule and your budget. Not burst your bubble, but be prepared for a rebuild. Auto's with more the 50k on them are on borrowed time. Most do not get the coils/plugs changed soon enough, leading to carbon build up. Which leads to clogged cat, and blown motor soon after that. Once the motor is warmed up running it higher in the RPM band will help keep the carbon from building up. But carbon build up in automatic rotaries has been on going issue for a long time. 2004 RX8's had a few recalls on them to help with that. Find out if they have been done or apply to your model. I know the current one on the airbag inflator is one to get done sooner than later.