I know there was a similar thread a while back, but I figured we should see how things have changed since then.

Wondering how many people have new engines, what year, and what mileage. If you had to get a new engine, please post how many miles you had on the old engine(s).


NEW THREAD: Series 1 owners, please vote!!!

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=204862
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=204863

07 with 27K

Still on my first engine. It's been fed a steady diet of 5W-20 5W-30 dyno oil.

49.3 k miles

lost compression

im a maintenance whore it still failed

omp not good enough.

49.3 k miles

lost compression

im a maintenance whore it still failed

omp not good enough.

Yeah, I saw that (actually why I started the thread). I'm not that far from mileage, and even if it's not extremely common, I hate to think about being that small chance.

04 MT with 65K miles and the original engine.

04 MT with 39123 miles in original engine

2004 A/T

1st motor 30k
2nd motor 35k
3rd motor 17k and still going strong.

07 with 13,500 miles on original engine

2004 MT 130,000 miles

1st motor till 110,000 2/2008 ( poor performance on the track.)
2nd is a Mazmart rebuilt running strong.

2004 6spd, First motor nothing but synthetic and religious oil changes and checks and it failed at 22k. My second motor has 68k on it with dino oil and is running like a champ(knocks on wood). I drive the shit out of my car also.

61k with original engine. im decarbonizing tomorrow to see if that fixes my low power.. i kept it under 5k rpm for about 3 months since my misfires began. ignition is fixed finally with the bhr ignition. will keep everyone posted

/\ good luck.

04' 6MT replaced at 54K miles. Have 10K miles on factory reman 1.5 years later and running strong.

I believe all '04's and the early '05's made before the recall will all need their motors replaced due to the lube problem.

I am premixing with my 3rd motor. 4 oz of premix at every fill up

motor one went at 55k miles. well it did not go. but failed test.

second motor has 50k miles on it.

beers :beer:

2004 AT... 3 engines

07 MT 23xxx original engine

Mine was done before I bought the car. It was one of the recalled ones from the factory.

2004, 6SPD, 80,000 Miles, All Dino Oil changed every three thousand miles, Original engine running well, No Major Repairs.

The last thread actually did a yes and no option for each year, but since that would require 12 slots and the limit is 10 for a poll, I had to shorten it. oh well.

Keep it coming guys!

07' 18k still strong!!!

04 AT 72,XXX moments from death....

05 MT, 60,000 miles, original engine still going strong. Been to track twice and drive hard daily.

Have used Royal Purple 5W-20 until 50,000 then switched to Royal Purple 10W-30. Oil changes every 7,500. No premix.

04 MT 73,XXX

Repairs that I can remember (there's a lot)

20,219 - Purchased car 03/06
22,XXX- Trans leak fixed under warranty
26,XXX - Trans leak fixed under warranty
30,XXX - Trans leak fixed under warranty
36,XXX- Trans Replaced under warranty
39,XXX - Trans leak fixed under warranty
45,XXX - Trans leak fixed under warranty
59XXX- Cat failed / Major engine leaks / Trans leak - fixed under warranty
71,XXX - Throttle body failed, replaced $ 300
73,XXX - Trans leak $ 200
73,500 - Broken Subframe - $ 1100

That is my history not including minor stuff like failing coils, plugs, wires, fogged headlights, 3 sets of taillights, interior pieced breaking, CDs getting stuck in head unit, etc etc.

Overall, Im still a happy owner believe it or not, Mazda took care of pretty much everything up until 60K, and the car hasnt had too many issues now after the expired powertrain. My engine is running very well,shows no noticable signs of loss of compression. I have some time left on my loan but Ive been making some principle payments and I plan on keeping this car once its paid off.

I'm on number 4
2005 AT
First one,, died 33,000
Second one,, 360 miles after that
Third one,, day one after replacement
Fourth one,, is going strong with 75,000 mile on the car. 120 psi compression across both rotors after 40,000 miles.

04 MT 73,XXX

Repairs that I can remember (there's a lot)

20,219 - Purchased car 03/06
22,XXX- Trans leak fixed under warranty
26,XXX - Trans leak fixed under warranty
30,XXX - Trans leak fixed under warranty
36,XXX- Trans Replaced under warranty
39,XXX - Trans leak fixed under warranty
45,XXX - Trans leak fixed under warranty
59XXX- Cat failed / Major engine leaks / Trans leak - fixed under warranty
71,XXX - Throttle body failed, replaced $ 300
73,XXX - Trans leak $ 200
73,500 - Broken Subframe - $ 1100

That is my history not including minor stuff like failing coils, plugs, wires, fogged headlights, 3 sets of taillights, interior pieced breaking, CDs getting stuck in head unit, etc etc.

Overall, Im still a happy owner believe it or not, Mazda took care of pretty much everything up until 60K, and the car hasnt had too many issues now after the expired powertrain. My engine is running very well,shows no noticable signs of loss of compression. I have some time left on my loan but Ive been making some principle payments and I plan on keeping this car once its paid off.

do you have a six speed?

if so the trans leak was likely the reverse sensor leaking caused by the cat overheating..

wow, nice to see this has been missed..

beers :beer:

Btw, anyone know if a new engine comes with a new flywheel? I have an aftermarket flywheel on my old one, and I'd like to keep it obviously. Still waiting on the new engine to arrive...it's been 8 business days...

Btw, anyone know if a new engine comes with a new flywheel? I have an aftermarket flywheel on my old one, and I'd like to keep it obviously. Still waiting on the new engine to arrive...it's been 8 business days...

mine did, it was new.

they swapped it out for my prolite and stage one clutch, no questions asked.


beers :beer:

I could've sworn I posted here, well anyway I'm on my first engine at 23k miles. It's an 04 :)

thanks swoope, I'll give 'em a call tomorrow

2005 mt 57k original engine

2004 GT 57k original engine, Castrol 5w20 dino oil

04 MT 73,XXX

Repairs that I can remember (there's a lot)

20,219 - Purchased car 03/06
22,XXX- Trans leak fixed under warranty
26,XXX - Trans leak fixed under warranty
30,XXX - Trans leak fixed under warranty
36,XXX- Trans Replaced under warranty
39,XXX - Trans leak fixed under warranty
45,XXX - Trans leak fixed under warranty
59XXX- Cat failed / Major engine leaks / Trans leak - fixed under warranty
71,XXX - Throttle body failed, replaced $ 300
73,XXX - Trans leak $ 200
73,500 - Broken Subframe - $ 1100

That is my history not including minor stuff like failing coils, plugs, wires, fogged headlights, 3 sets of taillights, interior pieced breaking, CDs getting stuck in head unit, etc etc.

Overall, Im still a happy owner believe it or not, Mazda took care of pretty much everything up until 60K, and the car hasnt had too many issues now after the expired powertrain. My engine is running very well,shows no noticable signs of loss of compression. I have some time left on my loan but Ive been making some principle payments and I plan on keeping this car once its paid off.

what was up with all the trans leakage?!

04 60000 miles fail compression yesterday get new engine friday and car back monday :)

The last compression test on my 2004 MT showed it was borderline dead but not enough for replacement... mileage around 50,000

I think it would be good if this poll was made into a sticky. Even send out a link in an e-mail blast to all members, inviting them to come vote in the poll to get the largest, most representtive sample.

So far the relatively modest poll results are tracking exactly in accord with Ashley's interal Mazda source, who said that approximately 25% of Renesis engines have been replaced.

I'm sure Mazda wouldn't like it for this information to be so widely publicized, but it would be a great service to pospective buyers (at the expense to sellers, of course) and of interest to all rotorheads.

2004 MT GT 28k Miles original engine

05 MT with 43,000mi. Bought in May 06 with 12,000 on it. Oil changed regularly every 3,000mi(previous owner took it to dealer for service as per Carfax). I don't track my car but definately drive it hard for daily use. It sees 7,500-8,000 rpm regularly, at the very least once a day. Still running original coils plugs and wires, but BHR ignition is on the way. It's N/A and I don't premix oil. Although I might start doing this as a preventative measure. May not be necessary after CobbAP. There is an unusually high ration of people with failing motors... I really hope I don't have to experience that. The Stealerships here will play anything off to try and void warranty work and I couldn't afford a breakdown like that right now eeekk :uhh:

Yeah, I love the people that says its a small percentage of the engines that fail. As the mileage goes up, the number of 05's will rise I believe.

07 MT 15k miles. Going strong!

04 with about 54000 miles when I had to get mine replaced.......twice in the same visit.....so technically I am on my 3rd. I now have 95000 miles on the car and the engine is still going strong.

2004 rx8 59k before motor replaced used mobil synthetic 5 20 now 10k on new motor seems to run good. oil change every 2800 miles w/ mobil 5 30 non syn. for now

Wasn't there such a poll a while back?

Wasn't there such a poll a while back?

I know there was a similar thread a while back, but I figured we should see how things have changed since then.
:lol2:

I'm on number one. 70.5k miles. No major problems, only minor problems like fogged tail lights and ac control knob. I have done my own share of damage to the car, but even that has been pretty minimal considering the type of car it is.

04' 130,000 rolled today. No replace... This thread scares me lol

haha i know all engine failure threads give me the :eyetwitch

bump! need more votes... I'm sure there have been more engine replacements than just the 2004/2005 cars. So far we have a very small sample which makes it less accurate than it should be...

I've been having all sorts of problems with my car just within the last few months. Loss of power is the main one, with it stalling a few times after highway driving and strange LOUD rattling type noise when accelerating at higher RPMs at times. Got codes P2070 and recently P2096 but no CEL as of this moment but car isnt running good.

How do I know if I need a compression test? How much does it cost?

I am at 79400 miles with original engine... but wouldnt mind having this checked out before I hit the 100,000 mark and no more engine core warranty. When I had my car in for a deflood at around 40k miles, the tech said my shifter felt funny and it could be a transmission issue, but couldnt really give me any more info. No tranny problems that I know of, but wouldnt mind having them check it out before the 100,000 also.

Who knows?!?

04' 130,000 rolled today. No replace... This thread scares me lol

Are you the original owner?

04' 130,000 rolled today. No replace... This thread scares me lol

Wow! That's awesome... '06 with 17,500 right now. (bought it with 13,459 on the odometer)

I linked this thread to a thread by a guy owning an 07' 6 speed with 30k on the odometer. He premixed too.


Not all failing engines are obvious and since mostly enthusiasts (i.e. people who pay attention to their cars) visit this site, how many could be roaming the streets on failing engines?

My first engine was failing but most people would not have noticed the drop off in power or hesitation if they never red lined it. My car would drive normally until you really revved it up.

51k - original engine - no problems

I dropped off my car at the Dealer on Thursday.. then ran compression tests over the weekend and the Tech called saying that the engine was loosing compression. He said he was waiting to hear back from "Mazda" on what they wanted him to do with this...

Is it always a NEW ENGINE that is the fix to this problem? Or, are there other alternatives? I am waiting to hear back from them today on what exactly they will be doing to my vehicle.

And... if they go ahead with a new engine, how long should I expect my car to be at the dealer? I know some of you all have been lucky and are in/out within 3-5 days... others taking a few weeks. Just wondering what is a normal waiting period.

Thanks

I dropped off my car at the Dealer on Thursday.. then ran compression tests over the weekend and the Tech called saying that the engine was loosing compression. He said he was waiting to hear back from "Mazda" on what they wanted him to do with this...

Is it always a NEW ENGINE that is the fix to this problem? Or, are there other alternatives? I am waiting to hear back from them today on what exactly they will be doing to my vehicle.

And... if they go ahead with a new engine, how long should I expect my car to be at the dealer? I know some of you all have been lucky and are in/out within 3-5 days... others taking a few weeks. Just wondering what is a normal waiting period.

Thanks

You would need to tear down the engine and rebuild it, replacing/repairing whatever is broken. Even it's just the seals needing to be replaced, they still need to pull the engine and open it up etc. It's basically what they do anyways. The engines are sent off to a reman facility and then are sent out to be put in 8's that need a replacement. So it's effectively the same thing, just they dont have to have a trained tech at every dealership to do that service... they can send it off to the reman facility instead, where they can use fewer people to do it all.

04 AT 72,XXX moments from death....

confirmed death....RIP

plus Mazda wants me to provide receipts for oil changes in order to replace it....:eyetwitch :eyetwitch :eyetwitch :eyetwitch :eyetwitch :eyetwitch
I have no idea where they are....:banghead:

confirmed death....RIP

plus Mazda wants me to provide receipts for oil changes in order to replace it....:eyetwitch :eyetwitch :eyetwitch :eyetwitch :eyetwitch :eyetwitch
I have no idea where they are....:banghead:

What?!? Thats BS! Ask them to show you on blk/white where it says that you must provide proof of oil changes for them to honor your warranty (that you paid for... since it is included in the price of the car when you buy it).

Also... you can suggest that you changed the oil yourself... but that will probably spark new questions for them.

I know there was a similar thread a while back, but I figured we should see how things have changed since then.

Wondering how many people have new engines, what year, and what mileage. If you had to get a new engine, please post how many miles you had on the old engine(s).
04 MT with 66K Original Engine

04 91K miles all original. only thing done at the dealer is several tailights and sun visors and gas caps. Needs a 02 sensor right now. Keep getting a intermittent cel for it.

I purchased my 04 back in 2006 with around 12,000 miles.
haven't had any major problems.

People (in general) tend to complain louder than they compliment.
I know I'm guilty of that.
I just want to add my voice saying ... no new engine, no major repairs.

Here are the repairs I can remember:
-Brake shield rattle ... New shield with warranty
-New rotors ... hubs showed small signs of rust when purchased ... 4 new rotors via warranty
-Faulty gas cap didn't seal correctly ... fixed after several caps tried
-Various TSBs.

I would say that's not bad. No real repairs done.
You may argue that rotors is a major repair, but it was purely cosmetic. Nothing at all wrong with the rotors, just small rust on the hubs.

What?!? Thats BS! Ask them to show you on blk/white where it says that you must provide proof of oil changes for them to honor your warranty (that you paid for... since it is included in the price of the car when you buy it).

Also... you can suggest that you changed the oil yourself... but that will probably spark new questions for them.

thats what im thinking, but im guessing the want me to pull magical reciepts out of my ass since im a broker than broke college student that got this car for a steal at an auction back when even AT's were in the mid $16000, but with a buyback title. I still have SSP 77 Rotary Engine Core Warranty Extension Program, heres what I asked Mazda customer assistance,

I am going to need a new engine, my dealership is telling me I need to prove maintenance on the car, and I have found receipts for random things such as radiator fluid, air filter, spark plugs, fuel pump, lower control arm(which was recalled and still failed and fixed it out of my own pocket) etc. I cannot find receipt for the thing they are mainly interested in which is engine oil...but the oil in the car is relatively clean. I changed it about 2-3 months before the car failed and topped it of every other time I stopped for gas, I even have a bottle of oil in the car right now that it sits in the dealership. I have a few bottles remaining still in my garage and I have statements on my ATM that I vaguely recall to be oil changes because I cant seem to find the receipts I am only required to prove only three oil changes but I believe I changed the oil 5 or 6 times and payed cash some of the time. Are my statements from pepboys, autozone, walmart enough to prove oil changes? They say the amount but not the purchase item. I take very good care of my car and have plenty of other reciepts to prove it, I just cant seem to find the ones I need.

Heres what they replied,

Hello Carlos,

Thank you for your patience while I reviewed your concern.
Unfortunately, lack of maintenance can cause your repair to be denied under warranty. Since you have not had your oil changes done at the Mazda dealer, we have not proof that they have been done. The statements of charges will not be sufficient.
If you had your oil changes done at WalMart or other places, they should have some data in their records. Without the proper receipts, we would not be able to move forward.

Regards,

Bxxxxxxxxe.

seriously who the flock:rant: :) would change a lower cintrol arm and fuel pump but never their oil???????

Pardon for the threadjacking.....

Sounds like BS, I had my engine replaced and I never provided any proof or was I asked for any. I have always changed my oil myself and I don't keep receipts. I have had it maintained at the dealer and a couple of random shops here and there when I was too busy to do it.

That's discrimination.

thats what im thinking, but im guessing the want me to pull magical reciepts out of my ass since im a broker than broke college student that got this car for a steal at an auction back when even AT's were in the mid $16000, but with a buyback title. I still have SSP 77 Rotary Engine Core Warranty Extension Program, heres what I asked Mazda customer assistance,

I am going to need a new engine, my dealership is telling me I need to prove maintenance on the car, and I have found receipts for random things such as radiator fluid, air filter, spark plugs, fuel pump, lower control arm(which was recalled and still failed and fixed it out of my own pocket) etc. I cannot find receipt for the thing they are mainly interested in which is engine oil...but the oil in the car is relatively clean. I changed it about 2-3 months before the car failed and topped it of every other time I stopped for gas, I even have a bottle of oil in the car right now that it sits in the dealership. I have a few bottles remaining still in my garage and I have statements on my ATM that I vaguely recall to be oil changes because I cant seem to find the receipts I am only required to prove only three oil changes but I believe I changed the oil 5 or 6 times and payed cash some of the time. Are my statements from pepboys, autozone, walmart enough to prove oil changes? They say the amount but not the purchase item. I take very good care of my car and have plenty of other reciepts to prove it, I just cant seem to find the ones I need.

Heres what they replied,

Hello Carlos,

Thank you for your patience while I reviewed your concern.
Unfortunately, lack of maintenance can cause your repair to be denied under warranty. Since you have not had your oil changes done at the Mazda dealer, we have not proof that they have been done. The statements of charges will not be sufficient.
If you had your oil changes done at WalMart or other places, they should have some data in their records. Without the proper receipts, we would not be able to move forward.

Regards,

Bxxxxxxxxe.

seriously who the flock:rant: :) would change a lower cintrol arm and fuel pump but never their oil???????

Pardon for the threadjacking.....

rofl.

The person who wrote ya email probably have no idea what control arm/fuel pump is.

Well, its like that, they just replaced my engine, no questions asked.


Everyone knows Im a maintenance whore + good dealership helps I guess.

I am sure it helps to have a good dealership, but it also helps to have a dealership period, My local one closed, it was 3miles away, now its either a 30min trip one way or a 45min trip the other way!

70k original engine and running very strong with no problems (knock on wood)

04 MT 51,XXX

Had 2 flood issues but other than that not a single problem... I'm sorry to see so many issues with replacing the engines! Actually shocked to see how frequent it is!!

Well I'm glad there isn't many engine changes after 2005, so here is to say that this engine is somewhat reliable :)

BTW, nice car Nuegen!

Thanks!!! All this talk about replacing 2004 engines i'm getting nervous! lol

Don't worry man, I have one too... anyway my warranty lasts until December of 2011, why should I care that much?

damn... oh wait! Thats right! Mazda extended the warranty for 100K on the motor!

i got my car back today with the engine in and new motor mounts its so much smoother and idles so much better i love it

Thanks!!! All this talk about replacing 2004 engines i'm getting nervous! lol

How many miles? I got 57k on mine.

i got my car back today with the engine in and new motor mounts its so much smoother and idles so much better i love it

how long was your car at the dealer?

Mine has been there about a week now and they said the new engine should be in on Tuesday... so I hope to get it by this time next week.

Awesome news! 1st time I posted in here was yesterday! Car was running great... this morning I get in and the clutch slips! Sa-Weet.... New clutch on the way lol

05 with 39,000 prob free!

Get your engines compression tested.

how long was your car at the dealer?

Mine has been there about a week now and they said the new engine should be in on Tuesday... so I hope to get it by this time next week.

i dropped it off last tuesday and got it back yesterday and the motor didnt come in till monday so it took like 2 days to put motor in

Get your engines compression tested.

Anyone know how much that costs?

If there is a problem, it's free. If the test shows that it has a lot of compression, I think you have to pay between 100-200 dollars.

I have a 2004 MT, with 65k miles on the original motor.

Lol thought I might drop by this post... Im currently on my 4th engine... Original one crapped out from the previous owner not knowing how to drive it so it had shitload of carbon... the other 2 were poorly built and leaked oil. Im currently on my 4th engine and its running smooth, looks like those remanufactured boys in Virginia actually know how to fix a Rotary eh... we should give em' a clap or two...

took awhile for them to get it right!

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc7/bastage_2005/20000.jpg

2005, still on original engine.

20,000 of them are with supercharger. (Yes, my odometer read 17778 when I picked it up from Pettit's shop).

Good engine.

lol that's almost as much mileage as my 04 rx-8. :)

How many miles on the 13psi pulley Bastage?

3000 or so I think (got it late January)

/\ oh ok. Do you notice any side effects?

/\ oh ok. Do you notice any side effects?

If you are suffering from NA RX-8 disease, ask your local mechanic if Pettit Racing's supercharger is right for you. Side effects include facial pain from smiling so hard, and increased heart rate. Passenger side effects include occasional dizziness, headache, nausea, and/or potential moments of incontinence. No users have ever stopped boosting because of these side effects.

Contact your local mechanic to find out if Pettit Racing's supercharger is right for you.

:eyetwitch

does anyone know if there is a vin plate on the engine itself or anyway of checking to see if the engine has been replaced?

Mazda wont release the info to me because I am not the original owner...

Any thoughts?

does anyone know if there is a vin plate on the engine itself or anyway of checking to see if the engine has been replaced?

Mazda wont release the info to me because I am not the original owner...

Any thoughts?

Your front rotor housing has the engine serial number on it. The reman engine from Mazda should have an ID plate on the front cover. I think that will be blue.

Paul.

2004, 69178 is the mileage at which the engine was replaced.
It now has 75076 and is running great.

Your front rotor housing has the engine serial number on it. The reman engine from Mazda should have an ID plate on the front cover. I think that will be blue.

Paul.

Thank you so much I've been looking for this info for 10 months. Hopefully I have a reman.

Quick question which side of the housing should I be looking at I'm assuming the drivers side with the 13b printed on it.

I just got my new engine at 79k. What is the warranty for the new engine?

Remainder of the 100,000 mile or 8 year warranty.

Remainder of the 100,000 mile or 8 year warranty.

so my new engine is basically under warranty for another 20k? and after the car hits 100k the new engine is no longer under warranty?

so my new engine is basically under warranty for another 20k? and after the car hits 100k the new engine is no longer under warranty?

Yes that is correct. otherwise they would be giving out free engines for an eternity.

So is there any pinpoint of certain things that people do or don't do that require engine replacement? Or is it just luck of the draw? What causes these engine replacements?

So is there any pinpoint of certain things that people do or don't do that require engine replacement? Or is it just luck of the draw? What causes these engine replacements?

here's what Ive worked out

if you drive it to hard you can blow a seal
if you dont drive it hard enough you can blow a seal
if you dont premix you can blow a seal
if you do premix and to much carbon builds up you can blow a seal.
if you dont do regular maintenance it can blow a seal
if you let the oil go over 3k you can blow a seal
if you de carb to frequently you can blow a seal
if you decarb infrequently you can blow a seal


Jesus doesn't hear your prayers, except for me 111k and still going strong.

Yes that is correct. otherwise they would be giving out free engines for an eternity.

well I guess that is the deciding factor on whether to trade the car in for a new one or not. I was planning on looking for something new in July... but I may do it sooner.

I'm at 80k... and from what I gather, a lot of people with engine replacements have it replaced a second or third time in the future. I know that if something happens to this one I wont be able to afford $4k in repairs. Sucks cause I was finally going to finish paying it off and have no car payment, but I guess I gotta start over on a new one.

335i Turbo convertible has my eye right now! :)

Yes that is correct. otherwise they would be giving out free engines for an eternity.



or.......

they could make an engine that last at least 100k.

or.......

they could make an engine that last at least 100k.

Atleast 100k, but if you pre-mix, 4oz per tank, change your oil, and redline regularly you should get a long life out of it.

My 2006 MT Sport is joining the ranks of those with heart transplants. Just today, North Park Mazda ordered a new engine as a warrenty replacement after she failed the TSB. So far, Mazda thus far has not given me the results of the tests, as I am outta town.

The proplems I was encounting were not super obvious initally. It started with a general feeling of my car being slower, shortly after pulling the plug on the life support (premix). Then last friday, I had 3 different occurances of stalling out at traffic lights, and having difficulties starting after the stalls.

90% of the time, I drive it like I stole it, including 3-5 redlines a day.

Additionally, I purchased the car used from carmax with about 30k on the odometer

I had one stall out during a rain storm started back up just fine though, its the only time its happened to me.. very strange.

I think there is a disproportionately large number of 04 owners here.

was that a funny?

Atleast 100k, but if you pre-mix, 4oz per tank, change your oil, and redline regularly you should get a long life out of it.


the key word here is "should"

but it isn't allways so.

Honestly I think we just don't know enough about how this engine works, I don't think anyone does. my friend had an N/A fc had 200k on the clock never had a problem. granted its a different engine but its still a rotary. We shouldn't be seeing these types of problems on an na rotary I would expect this from FI.

From what I know factory maintenance schedules are generally garbage. so i think with a little times and research we can see these engines outlive the bodies.

I'm thinking it will have something to do with more durable side seals and apex seals...

Does anyone know if there is a way to get the old oil out of the oil cooler when doing an oil change? I have always just left it in there

2004 MT My First engine lasted 98,000 Miles! Just swapped it out last week. The joy of breaking in a new engine under 5k RPM.....

94K 05Ti Gray. engine replaced.

Does anyone know if there is a way to get the old oil out of the oil cooler when doing an oil change? I have always just left it in there

yes remove the bumper, unbolt the oil cooler lines (27mm I believe), replace all 4 crush washers on the banjo connection. remove the oil cooler let it drain out for 10 minutes moving it around randomly. somehow clear the oil out of the lines... bolt everything back up torque to spec. maybe 50 ft pounds I forget.

Or you could just live with the extra quart in your system...

If you do your oil changes every 3k this shouldn't matter much. I wouldn't even bother with it.

From what I have observed, and please tell me if anyone disagrees, the overwhelming majority of failed motors were MOSTLY:


1) From the first model year of production (produced in 2003-2004), being model year 2004 cars.


2) Automatics (automatics have one oil cooler rather than the two oil coolers that the manual transmission RX8s have).


3) Were ran in very hot climates, such as Nevada, Arizona, Florida, Texas, etc.


And even then, we have no idea what % of 2004 auto RX8s suffered failed motors - it may be statistically higher than other years and manual transmission equipped cars, but it still might be low as a % of total 2004s sold.


Does anyone NOT agree with this as a general impression based on everything we've seen/heard?

NEW THREADS: Series 1 owners, please vote!!!

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=204862
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=204863

All of the years have been affected for the most part, its just because the 04's have higher mileages that they have a higher percentage. But our local member tech has done 2005 and 2006's as well recently now that the mileage is getting up there. I know our largest dealer (one of 4) has done in the 300 range, that's a lot for one city. Although I do think heat plays a big role. But I also believe many who are not "in the know" are driving 8's with low compression and do not even know it.


The increase in the OMP rate may have helped (not me) but it was a band aid at best. I think they licked it on the series II though.

From what I have observed, and please tell me if anyone disagrees, the overwhelming majority of failed motors were MOSTLY:


1) From the first model year of production (produced in 2003-2004), being model year 2004 cars.


2) Automatics (automatics have one oil cooler rather than the two oil coolers that the manual transmission RX8s have).


3) Were ran in very hot climates, such as Nevada, Arizona, Florida, Texas, etc.


And even then, we have no idea what % of 2004 auto RX8s suffered failed motors - it may be statistically higher than other years and manual transmission equipped cars, but it still might be low as a % of total 2004s sold.


Does anyone NOT agree with this as a general impression based on everything we've seen/heard?

Made a couple new threads which will address some of your questions hopefully. 2004's seemed to have the highest failure rate as well as automatics. Analyzing the locational differences would be very difficult, though it could be another significant factor. The model year and transmission type seem to be the most important factors though.

From what I have observed, and please tell me if anyone disagrees, the overwhelming majority of failed motors were MOSTLY:


1) From the first model year of production (produced in 2003-2004), being model year 2004 cars.

2) Automatics (automatics have one oil cooler rather than the two oil coolers that the manual transmission RX8s have).

3) Were ran in very hot climates, such as Nevada, Arizona, Florida, Texas, etc.

And even then, we have no idea what % of 2004 auto RX8s suffered failed motors - it may be statistically higher than other years and manual transmission equipped cars, but it still might be low as a % of total 2004s sold.

Does anyone NOT agree with this as a general impression based on everything we've seen/heard?


You nailed it, dude. Finally, a voice of reason. Thank you. Never thought I'd see it on this forum. :beer05:

From the above only #1 applies. I have a MT and the car has spent it's life in the northeast and PacNW.

At this point I think it's a design flaw that will affect all series I engines. I have 12K on my 2nd engine, dyno'd it a year and a half ago posted higher numbers against other RX8s at a tuning day and recently did a compression test. Results 5.1 lowest face. :(

Any I premix'd 4oz/gal. from day 1 of the second motor.

I don't know what to think at this point. :dunno:

how do i no if i have a bad motor... turbo'ed rx8 and well it ran fine for the fist 4 days then all of a sudden it started ideling really heavy and like shakes heavily at idle.. and at every shak u can hear a sound which almost sounds like it could be a vaccume leak.. but idk.. and my cel was flashing... flashes 8 times and it takes about 5-10 cranks till it starts up ..n i ran a code reader n it gave me 2 codes..1 for missfire and the second for the intake manifold...help me...=( oh and its a rebuilt 84k miles 2004 allot of ppl keep telling me since its runing on emanage it could be a ecu over rite dont no tho

From the above only #1 applies. I have a MT and the car has spent it's life in the northeast and PacNW.

At this point I think it's a design flaw that will affect all series I engines. I have 12K on my 2nd engine, dyno'd it a year and a half ago posted higher numbers against other RX8s at a tuning day and recently did a compression test. Results 5.1 lowest face. :(

Any I premix'd 4oz/gal. from day 1 of the second motor.

I don't know what to think at this point. :dunno:


I feel you man, I am on my third motor despite my OCD level maintenance and precautions. I have ran no cat, BHR ignition, SOHN, and premixed from day on on this motor and I suspect it's dieing (gut feeling). I having my injectors cleaned soon and then I will compression test, then dyno and we will see how she is doing.

how do i no if i have a bad motor... turbo'ed rx8 and well it ran fine for the fist 4 days then all of a sudden it started ideling really heavy and like shakes heavily at idle.. and at every shak u can hear a sound which almost sounds like it could be a vaccume leak.. but idk.. and my cel was flashing... flashes 8 times and it takes about 5-10 cranks till it starts up ..n i ran a code reader n it gave me 2 codes..1 for missfire and the second for the intake manifold...help me...=( oh and its a rebuilt 84k miles 2004 allot of ppl keep telling me since its runing on emanage it could be a ecu over rite dont no tho


It could be a multitude of issues, you need a Cobb AP to tune it correctly. But a compression test is the only way to know how the motor is doing for sure.

2004, 66,000 miles on original engine. Running great! I use Castrol Syntec at OEM specs. Not a single problem with the engine...yet.

Yeah these engines are weird. My first one only lasted 22,000 miles and my second lasted 74,000 miles. I am on 20,000 on the third engine.

I feel you man, I am on my third motor despite my OCD level maintenance and precautions. I have ran no cat, BHR ignition, SOHN, and premixed from day on on this motor and I suspect it's dieing (gut feeling). I having my injectors cleaned soon and then I will compression test, then dyno and we will see how she is doing.




It could be a multitude of issues, you need a Cobb AP to tune it correctly. But a compression test is the only way to know how the motor is doing for sure.


well they stop making cobb ap but i mean wat would u suggest doing first ???compression test.... and if it is the motor i prolly cant get the recall u think ??? since its a rebuilt title and it has 84k miles on a 04

You can still get the Cobb AP at www.mazdamaniac.com and used. If you want the pea ce fo mind you can go to the dealer and pay for a compression test, if the engine test fine then you know you have other issues.

well they stop making cobb ap but i mean wat would u suggest doing first ???compression test.... and if it is the motor i prolly cant get the recall u think ??? since its a rebuilt title and it has 84k miles on a 04

There is absolutely no way a dealer will warranty a turbo'd motor. They can still run a compression test and that will help indicate the health of the engine.

Have the ignition coils and plugs been replaced?

There is absolutely no way a dealer will warranty a turbo'd motor. They can still run a compression test and that will help indicate the health of the engine.

Have the ignition coils and plugs been replaced?


Plus if it has a rebuilt title the warranty is void.

Yeah these engines are weird. My first one only lasted 22,000 miles and my second lasted 74,000 miles. I am on 20,000 on the third engine.

That's crazy. How did you personally know your motors went? Was it a an epic failure or was it the more subtle issues, such as difficult starts? Mine, ironically, just started occasionally giving me starting issues despite an all new igntion system.

Engine needs to be replaced at 57k according to dealer. Car ran perfectly fine. In July it had to be towed to dealer because it wouldn't start. I brought it to the dealer at the beginning of Sept. because it was taking slightly longer to start and CEL came on. Apparently it's failing compression tests. It's still at the dealer waiting for the replacement engine. Always checked oil and performed scheduled maintenances. Looking back it was probably a complete waste of money to do so.

2007 MT

Coming up on 23k miles on my 07. Still running strong without any hiccups.

2005 MT
1st engine died at 50K
2nd engine still going but engine light on today and idle is rough. 30K on the 2nd engine. Paid the car off last month, so Murphy kicks in.