Car dying when hot ambient (but engine temp is good)

Whizbang · 06-30-2013, 10:20 PM

was 103 today. We were driving the renesis FB up bogus basin road in idaho (so climbing elevation) but not too hard. The car just died. Wouldnt start back over. temp on gauge was good, but we had to let it cool down to start again. even the fuel tank was hot to the touch.

could it have vapor locked? is there a common symptom with this in normal Rx8s? the ecu and electronics are the same. Fuel system is obviously slightly different.

RX200013B · 07-01-2013, 02:14 PM

sounds like vapor lock to me..

WE3RX7 · 07-01-2013, 03:34 PM

Never had that happen in the RX8. Haven't reached extreme altitudes though, but have run it hard during track days at over 100* ambient and 110*+ surface temps...

What is being used to monitor the engine, anything? Any kind of datalog for it? It does sound fuel related though...

Whizbang · 07-01-2013, 04:07 PM

the stock gauge cluster is being used.

JL1RX7 · 07-01-2013, 04:15 PM

I would get something besides the stock cluster. You can use the CANBUS to read all the engine sensors if you have a translator and output device. With the stock cluster you have three settings for the temp gauge. Off, normal and new engine. Oil pressure is off and like 5 psi. So they are this side of useless.

rotar bones · 07-02-2013, 06:24 PM

I am in Denver and I run the mountain roads at 11,000 feet, have never herd of that one. The suggestion about gauges is a good one. Digital oil and coolant temp gauges are the best. Summit racing has several at fair prices well as I gage rack for them.

Please come back with the fix and share. That is really interesting Bro.

06-30-2013, 10:20 PM	#1
Whizbang Respecognize! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Δx = ħ/2Δp iTrader: (5) Posts: 3,190 Rep Power: 20	Car dying when hot ambient (but engine temp is good) was 103 today. We were driving the renesis FB up bogus basin road in idaho (so climbing elevation) but not too hard. The car just died. Wouldnt start back over. temp on gauge was good, but we had to let it cool down to start again. even the fuel tank was hot to the touch. could it have vapor locked? is there a common symptom with this in normal Rx8s? the ecu and electronics are the same. Fuel system is obviously slightly different. __________________ For current updates and event coverage check out Follow on Twitter! @WhizbangRally Whizbang Rally's Webpage \| Facebook

07-01-2013, 02:14 PM	#2
RX200013B Rotary Fan in Training Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: idaho iTrader: (0) Posts: 37 Rep Power: 0	sounds like vapor lock to me.. __________________ ULTIMATE N/A

07-01-2013, 04:07 PM	#4
Whizbang Respecognize! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Δx = ħ/2Δp iTrader: (5) Posts: 3,190 Rep Power: 20	the stock gauge cluster is being used. __________________ For current updates and event coverage check out Follow on Twitter! @WhizbangRally Whizbang Rally's Webpage \| Facebook

07-01-2013, 03:34 PM	#3
WE3RX7 RCC Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: VA iTrader: (1) Posts: 1,812 Rep Power: 18	Never had that happen in the RX8. Haven't reached extreme altitudes though, but have run it hard during track days at over 100* ambient and 110*+ surface temps... What is being used to monitor the engine, anything? Any kind of datalog for it? It does sound fuel related though...

07-01-2013, 04:15 PM	#5
JL1RX7 Rotary Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Front Royal, VA iTrader: (1) Posts: 487 Rep Power: 17	I would get something besides the stock cluster. You can use the CANBUS to read all the engine sensors if you have a translator and output device. With the stock cluster you have three settings for the temp gauge. Off, normal and new engine. Oil pressure is off and like 5 psi. So they are this side of useless.

07-02-2013, 06:24 PM	#6
rotar bones rotary owner/driver. Join Date: Jun 2013 iTrader: (0) Posts: 69 Rep Power: 0	I am in Denver and I run the mountain roads at 11,000 feet, have never herd of that one. The suggestion about gauges is a good one. Digital oil and coolant temp gauges are the best. Summit racing has several at fair prices well as I gage rack for them. Please come back with the fix and share. That is really interesting Bro.