I was at Mazda today again and I talked to my buddy there. I always ask to see if anything as in the way of problems with the RX8 are popping up or anything like that.

Well anyway this is JAPAN information, but maybe related to the US spec version in the future, but once again its only information.

SEVERAL COMPLAINS:
The center console is too hot--Not yet fixed still being researched (possibly transmission heat shield change)

MAZDA IS CHANGING A PART Before offical recall can happen:
Oil pan, oil pan gasket, and dipstick all will be changed (He said he wasnt sure of the reason or maybe he couldnt say)

Anyway once again its just information.....

Thanks Jason for the heads up....

No problem (my10ae)

OH I was also going to add, MAZDA says they have no plans in the future to turbo the RX8.

the center consoles, are awfully hot


andrew

So from what I've read on the forum, the original dipstick may be reading too high? And this is part of the problem with oil warning and perhaps other engine problems? Until this gets sorted, sounds like it should be kept very near the "full" mark, or, dare I say, perhaps slightly above? 1/2 quart? Opinions?

"Overfilling" would probably be a warranty issue.

thanks jt
good info
keep us posted if possiable

i noticed that my center console got kinda high too. hehe warm drinks at least (if its coffee)

No problem, I will post as I get it.

Im going to another car show in 2 weeks, RX7 and RX8s so I hope to get some good info (inside) then.

So would it be safe tosay that when I'm ready to buy in May of 2004 most, if not all, the current issues will be taken care of?

I was really hyped to buy but with problems like seals blowing and such I am getting a bit gun shy now.

To tell you the truth, my Integra with an ITR engine seems to have more torque than the RX8 I test drove.

Originally posted by Gee3
I was really hyped to buy but with problems like seals blowing and such I am getting a bit gun shy now. Are there documented problems with seals blowing? First I've heard that...:confused:

I did a search ealier on this board and found that. A few guys found coolant on their garage floors. They brought the car to the dealer and Mazda had to replace the engine due to bad seals.

I haven't been able to ready EVERY post but I've yet to hear of someone having coolant under their cars. Compare my posts/ how long I've been here.
No, it wouldn't be a great idea to keep your oil over the F mark. It's not a bad idea to keep it well above "L" though. (1.8 qt diff H-L, remember).
My center console never gets even warm, that I know of, but I tend to keep my hands on the steering wheel and my legs under it while driving so I couldn't be sure. I do know my 81 7s used to get quite warm in that area so the 8 is nothing like it could be. (my 8 of course).

The information is in general though you know, I mean it doesnt mean every car will have the came problem.

It is good though if you experience anything you dont like or unordinary to take it to the dealer and let them know, that way they can relay the info back and it will help work out the bugs if there is any to work out.

Not everyone will have these problems but it is good to know about the, And you're right, I will bring these up to the dealer.

Here is the post with the engine seal/coolant problem: Scroll down to WayneOsworld's post: http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14256&highlight=problems

Originally posted by Nubo
So from what I've read on the forum, the original dipstick may be reading too high? And this is part of the problem with oil warning and perhaps other engine problems? Until this gets sorted, sounds like it should be kept very near the "full" mark, or, dare I say, perhaps slightly above? 1/2 quart? Opinions?

"Overfilling" would probably be a warranty issue.

uh mine was over the full line when i took delivery so i guess i had a warranty issue right from the start. :)

Originally posted by RX-GR8
uh mine was over the full line when i took delivery so i guess i had a warranty issue right from the start. :)

Yeah, I just wanted to put a disclaimer in. On the one hand we have some information that the dispstick may be off, causing not enough oil to be kept. On the other hand if you tell Mazda you've been deliberately overfilling the system that's bad too. Probably best course is to keep it right at "full" for the time being.

Owners manual says to add when the level reaches bottom line but I'd rather not wait that long.

I've been filling mid-way...takes about a half to 3/4 of a qt. to top it off. At about 1600 miles, she's already used a quart. Is this excessive?

- Eric H.

2004 RX8 Titanium
1976 Alfa Romeo Spider (and therefore used to checking oil -- funny how the Spider holds twice as much as the RX8 and burns half as much)

nope, that's about right. 1 qt / 5000 +/-. generally higher use w/ higher RPM habits.

thered1996---actually it depends the most on what oil your using. A rotary does naturally burn oil, but I have a Ported FD with about 450hp and it burns about 1/2 quart a month, but I also change it every month, so I dont mess with it much.

REDLINE--Will definatly burn off quicker then most the oils I have ever used.

REDLINE--Will definatly burn off quicker then most the oils I have ever used

My RX-8 will use more oil at sustained higher RPM's, such as a long highway trip running 70-80 mph.

Typical driving I will add oil ~ 2,500 miles. Long highway trip, you better check every 1,000 miles.

It would be a nice improvement if the replacement dipsick was accompanied by a 3" longer tube so that you don't have to squeeze your hand through the hoses to check the oil.

So all this oil burning is normal for a rotary? As you can tell, I've never owned a rotary.

My enthusiasm for this car is getting low with all that I am reading. I am used to Honda reliability. My Integra barely ever ate any oil, even at high rpm's on a road course. <Sigh!>

Well, I have until May to make my decision on buying the car.

what other cars did you consider in this range other than a Z or G35?

Yes burning oil is normal for a rotary. A small amount of Oil is actually injected into the combustion chamber in a rotary, on a piston the oil never sees the combustion chamber(well it shouldnt hehe) at least.

jt-imports? jason do you import jdm cars into the 'states? are you "j's garage"?

I know J`s Garage.

Importing cars, thats a side thing we do, but it doesnt have anything to do with JT-Imports, its my personal thing to help
some people out.

But no J`s is no way affiliated with JT-Imports

B-Bump

BB-Bumperoo

The Reneisis engine burns about 1qt of oil for every 600 miles you drive. Thats straight from the Mazda Tech School. Rotary engines burn oil, its the way the engine is. I have been told to have the oil a quarter of an inch above the fill line. Why I dont know, but thats what I was told.

I told to my Mazda Tech Rep on a regular basis and he has never mentioned a problem with the dipstick to us. He explained the oil pan problem and its because of the baffles and the sensor inside of them. I will ask about the dipstick thing and get back to you.

As for seals blowing, I havent anything about that. There is nothing on the Mazda internet page that has all of the bulletins and tech tips. Again, my tech rep hasnt said anything, nor have my master techs. Its might have been something with the first production cars or maybe those people ran the piss out of the car before it was broke it....you would be amazed at how many people dont understand about the breaking in process.

And JT, I read you import cars. Im trying to get my hands on a Nissian Skyline R33 or R34 or a Subaru S201, 202, or B4. Got access to any of those lol

Originally posted by SnyderMazz

As for seals blowing, I havent anything about that. There is nothing on the Mazda internet page that has all of the bulletins and tech tips. Again, my tech rep hasnt said anything, nor have my master techs. Its might have been something with the first production cars or maybe those people ran the piss out of the car before it was broke it....you would be amazed at how many people dont understand about the breaking in process.


Umm, and I am amazed at your ignorant attempt to blame the customer. FYI, I've owned 2 RX-7's, so I know a little about owning a rotary. My RX-8's engine seal was blown and I can definitively say that the problem was not caused by mistreatment. I broke the engine in very gradually for the first 2000 miles and the coolant leak appeared around 3500 miles.

Ecto, I wasnt refering to you directly. I was refering to the -8's overall. I have never seen you drive, so how can I sit here and say you broke it? Trust me, Im not accusing of running the piss out of it by anymeans. Though I am curious to if you know exactly what seal it was and what the dealership said happened. I apolgize, I didnt mean to imply you were running the piss out of it. No harm meant.

Originally posted by SnyderMazz
Ecto, I wasnt refering to you directly. I was refering to the -8's overall. I have never seen you drive, so how can I sit here and say you broke it? Trust me, Im not accusing of running the piss out of it by anymeans. Though I am curious to if you know exactly what seal it was and what the dealership said happened. I apolgize, I didnt mean to imply you were running the piss out of it. No harm meant.

I didn't take it personally, so no worries there. Sorry if I overreacted, I can only speak for myself and I know I really babied that engine (as I am babying my new one.) I plan on owning this car for decade, and I take the investment seriously.

The repair manifest diagnoses the problem as "coolant leak at rear rotor housing at the stationary gear housing." I've been told there is no stationary gear housing by another member, so I may call the dealer or MNAO for clarification after I look it up in the Yamaguchi book.

Originally posted by ectomort
I didn't take it personally, so no worries there. Sorry if I overreacted, I can only speak for myself and I know I really babied that engine (as I am babying my new one.) I plan on owning this car for decade, and I take the investment seriously.

The repair manifest diagnoses the problem as "coolant leak at rear rotor housing at the stationary gear housing." I've been told there is no stationary gear housing by another member, so I may call the dealer or MNAO for clarification after I look it up in the Yamaguchi book.

They probably mean the rear housing. The stationary gear attaches to the rear housing and my guess is the coolant seal back there is the one that went south.

I guess they refer to the rear housing since the coolant seal grooves are there (all side housings actually)

the rear rotor housing and the rear housing. sounds like the seal between the two housings failed.