My name it Mat, I have a 2003 RX8 that I have now had for about 7 months, I have had many issues starting the car and with performance. I have replaced many components.

These are as follows:

Crank angle sensor
Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Leads
Coils
Fuel Pump
Air Filter
Catalytic Converter

Since I did the cat I have uncovered some new issues, now when I start it (eventually), It blows white smoke which smells very rich, I’m constantly topping up coolant, and I idles very rough for a little while. I also notice that when I put the “boot” into it, after I have warmed it up of course!, it kind of struggles at higher rpm’s (but not all the time).
Now I have come to a point where I’m lost.

Does anybody know of any rotary / RX8 specialists around Bendigo.

Kind Regards

Mat

Unfortunately the 2003-2005 rx8s comes with more problems than the 2006 and newer models...If you don't mind me asking, what is your personal routine in maintaining the engine?...These vehicles are very sensitive, and require even the smallest precautions.

how many miles are on the engine? you may still be under the 8yr/100k mile engine core warranty, provided you have maintenance records...

Warranty doesn't apply overseas I don't think,

It looks like you have bought a badly maintained car. Our engines can be reliable if treated well.
If your engine really leaks all you can do is replace\rebuild it. Change the coils as well with your new one, there's no point in doing the wires and plugs otherwise. They're just the tip of the iceberg.
ASH8 could be really helpful, try sending him a pm.

Since I've had the car I've always followed the guides on this forum, no cold starts, redline once a day etc. I check the oil on a regular occasion as do I the coolant (normally every other fill)
I have had some advice that it could be coolant leaking into the chambers.

So its looking like rebuild might be the way...

If you are blowing white smoke and topping coolant constantly then coolant is getting into the combustion chamber. I belive there is an issue with the housings cracking around the spark plugs which I "believe" (but could be very wrong) is near a coolant source.

Have the engine compression tested at a dealer would be my first suggestion. Something that I suggest anyone does before buying one of these cars.

As for mechanics, Dalton in Geelong but I think thats like a 2.5 hour drive, else an hour and a half to Promaz in Thomastown or Selectmaz in Epping.

Cheers

Andrew

Thanks Andrew and everybody else very helpfull info, I did a test tonight that ASH8 recommended in a thread that I found whilst doing some digging, even at idle my coolant resi is blowing lots of bubbles, pretty much confirming my worst fears, will get in touch with the guys at Promaz as they are geographicly closer.

btw driving in this state is a big no no I gather.:wallbash:

Cheers Mat

I recommend checking out tim at rx8-specialties (extreme rotaries will build the engine)

Might be a longer drive but for an engine build it is HIGHLY recommended. :)

Thanks Giustino,

Will get in touch with them, got a quote from the guys at Promaz today, $6500! Wow this is going to be expensive....

that price is just plain wrong. buy a remanufactured one from mazda instead.

Ummm no! we are in Australia...you know, that large old Island down in the Southern Hemisphere! To deal with Mazda directly would almost DOUBLE that cost. Ship a reman from Mazda US and you could easily pay that sort of money and then have to pay to have it fitted.

$6500 is probably on the high side, depending on what (if anything) is damaged. A new housing is > $1000. How much is a full seal kit worth? $1500. There alone is over $2500.

I would also agree that you should check out rx8-specialties if you are willing the extra distance (2.5 hours from Bendigo to Carrum Downs).

Cheers

Andrew

Wasn't he talking in USD? :)
anyway, you have japan right there close to you. Use it to your own advantage!

Wasn't he talking in USD? :)
anyway, you have japan right there close to you. Use it to your own advantage!

Why in Australia would we be talking in USD? We have our own $ that is doing just dandy ;) If you can find me a way to get a Jap built Renesis into my car for < $6500 AUD then I will pay you the difference

Calling the guys at RX8 specialties today, on their site they offer a engine change over program, for nearly the same if not less money!

BTW the other quote I got wasn't including new housings (if they were required) and I was being told around $1200 a pop. But to their credit they were very quick with replies to my emails, and did offer me a loan car for the week it would take. Having said that i have access to another car anyway.

Will let you know how I go with RX8 Specialties.

Cheers

Mat

Might look at this.

http://www.rx8club.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=6779

majic if you decide to buy the used engine from rick shaw.
I put first dibs on your blown used engine. so no need to worry selling it afterwards! ;)

majic if you decide to buy the used engine from rick shaw.
I put first dibs on your blown used engine. so no need to worry selling it afterwards! ;)

Lol no worries, not sure what way I'm going yet, still toying with the idea of a rebuild, but we will see. Buy the way, has anyone ever delt with Intense Automotive in Melbourne?

Cheers

Mat

Go to RX7 Heaven, he'll sort you out. I have had a car built there, generally they are good, and he quotes pretty good prices. The owners name is Tony Bateson.

what happened with the qoute from Tim?

what happened with the qoute from Tim?

Gave Tim a ring, very nice guy, hopefully heading down on the weekend to visit his shop and have a bit more of a chat. He offered a stip down and diagnosis for roughly $1500. One of my mates reccomended Intense Automotive, so I was curious if anybody else had delt with them.

Cheers

Mat

Thanks Andrew and everybody else very helpfull info, I did a test tonight that ASH8 recommended in a thread that I found whilst doing some digging, even at idle my coolant resi is blowing lots of bubbles, pretty much confirming my worst fears, will get in touch with the guys at Promaz as they are geographicly closer.

btw driving in this state is a big no no I gather.:wallbash:

Cheers Mat

Yep, it is a great old test that still applies today..

Yes , you have coolant entry into rotor housings...new rebuild..

BTW, Australia does not have an 8 year engine warranty, but you knew that..

Ummmmmm like dude?
To me these are all regular maintenance items ... you going to add brake pads and rotors to the list .... why not tires and windshield wiper fluid too.

Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Leads
Coils
Air Filter



My name it Mat, I have a 2003 RX8 that I have now had for about 7 months, I have had many issues starting the car and with performance. I have replaced many components.

These are as follows:

Crank angle sensor
Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Leads
Coils
Fuel Pump
Air Filter
Catalytic Converter

Since I did the cat I have uncovered some new issues, now when I start it (eventually), It blows white smoke which smells very rich, I’m constantly topping up coolant, and I idles very rough for a little while. I also notice that when I put the “boot” into it, after I have warmed it up of course!, it kind of struggles at higher rpm’s (but not all the time).
Now I have come to a point where I’m lost.

Does anybody know of any rotary / RX8 specialists around Bendigo.

Kind Regards

Mat

BTW, I don't know "if" you have made a decision, BUT, if you plan on keeping the car for a few years, DO NOT GO DOWN the Second Hand Engine Path, they are ..

1. Too old..
2. Mileage??
3. How has it been treated.
4. Compressions?
5. Blah Blah Blah.

You can "try" and take advantage of our High Dollar and Import your own Rebuild from Mazmart.
Just remember you will pay duty...here.

BTW: A brand new Series 2 Short Engine from Mazda Australia is $13,990 AUD, not sure on Series 1 (yours) , but would not be much cheaper if any...

DON'T ..He offered a strip down and diagnosis for roughly $1500...
You should not need to Pay more for a diagnosis, you know your engine is gone.

Get a price for a Rebuild with good used Housings, or with new Housings INCLUDING Install.

Hi guys, just a follow up, thought you might like to know where I am it with my baby. We have decided that we are going to rebuild the engine ourself (Me and my Dad). Dad having rebuit a few engines has suggested we do it. So we have orded a rebuild kit from atkinsrotary.com.
I really am looking foward to the build, we have done plenty of research and watched a couple of dvds, actually looks pretty strait forward, just have too make sure we have our tourqe specs right!

Will keep you posted.


Cheers

mazmart is the way to go given the weak us dollar.
If you really want to do it yourself then good luck. New housings and fresh sideplates aren't cheap.

What state are you in??
Rotomotion in WA have sorted out all the issues
Exactly the same as mine
I had a rebuild
Jason Mazda were looking after my car and didn't have a clue and created the problems
Probably even if your not in WA worth ringing John on 08 9452-1500
I bring in parts from the US .
My rebuild cost $9700'
Most of the issues come from the coils breaking down

What state are you in??
Rotomotion in WA have sorted out all the issues
Exactly the same as mine
I had a rebuild
Jason Mazda were looking after my car and didn't have a clue and created the problems
Probably even if your not in WA worth ringing John on 08 9452-1500
I bring in parts from the US .
My rebuild cost $9700'
Most of the issues come from the coils breaking down

For that price you could get nearly 2 well remanufactured engines, shipped to your place.

Wow. I never really thought about how much it costs folks to rebuild a Renesis.
I usually spend between $300 and $500.

My current motor, which is a series 1 and series 2 hybrid, set me back about $400.

Weak US dollar for the win?

wow that's expensive, the largest quote I had was around 5k, anyway my old man and me are going to do the rebuild. Hopefully will be starting tomorrow. replacing all the seals with cryo treated components (apex, side, & corner seals) got a full rebuild kit from atkinsrotary.com. actually looking forwrd to it. :)

Will get some piccys up of the build.

Cheers

Majjic

Wow. I never really thought about how much it costs folks to rebuild a Renesis.
I usually spend between $300 and $500.

My current motor, which is a series 1 and series 2 hybrid, set me back about $400.

Weak US dollar for the win?
Weak US dollar for the win, hellyeah!
However you have to admit that you have a thing for building frankenmotors, frankenturbos etc for your own car, doing it for a customer is a bit different since he can't come back to you if anything goes wrong after a month lol!
New seals and the possibility of fresh housings is what brings the price up if somebody has reliability in mind. Definitely not your concern since you pop an engine a week testing flux capacitors and turbo compounding time machines :lol:

wow that's expensive, the largest quote I had was around 5k, anyway my old man and me are going to do the rebuild. Hopefully will be starting tomorrow. replacing all the seals with cryo treated components (apex, side, & corner seals) got a full rebuild kit from atkinsrotary.com. actually looking forwrd to it. :)

Will get some piccys up of the build.

Cheers

Majjic
Cryo treating is not the way to go with seals... they have to be soft enough not to damage the housings yet strong enough to withstand the forces and stresses they are subject to.
The myth of hard, indestructible seals is just that... a myth. Even if they really were indestructible (and they're not) fast wear of the housings is as bad as fast wear of the seals. More expensive to tell you the truth :)

Really with the high Aussie Dollar, I would have gone Mazmart...I think.

You can get away with customs declaration to keep it below $1000 AUD (shipping is not included).

So at the moment it works out at 5% cheaper than the US price....so that can go towards the shipping.

Anyway good luck with the rebuild, may guys here will help you...

Thanks ASH8 greatly appreciate the support! :worship:

& every one else who has posted!

Just a couple of piccys! Note the coolant in the rear rotor housing, and the exhaust!
Also had to replace the welsh plugs, they were *bleeped*

Some silly bugger had been running water because it was using so much coolant!

Cheers

Only problem is we have every thing back in and she won't start,

Spark? Got it
Fuel? Got it (injectors fine, pressure fine, even fresh fuel!)
Compression? Check (New apex, side, and corner seals, no leaks)
Oil metering lines have been replaced

edit* Oh and vacume is good!

Cranks but no go!

And yes, plugs leads, and coils are all good! lol

Cheers

Are you getting a fuel smell from exhaust while cranking? If not, spray a little starting fluid toward the throttle body and see if it comes to life. These two simple procedures will tell you some basic things:

The first scenario would indicate excessive fuel and possibly a flooded condition. You can use the de-flood methods found throughout this forum. Make sure your battery is fully charged and in proper condition because less than optimum cranking speed will lead to flooding easily. Pull the plugs if necessary to help evacuate the chambers and to remove fuel (Petrol, gasoline) from the plugs themselves. Check for injector wires being wrongly positioned as secondary injectors will provide excessive fuel at cranking and make starting hard every time (This is a common problem).

Second scenario would reveal whether there is no fuel entering the engine. There are various things that can cause this including air in the returnless fuel system or no injector pulse signal. It would be highly unusual for the computer to fail so I would rule that out and stick to things you know you did.

I hope this helps. :)

Paul.

any news?

One would hope he got it going by now???

Hi guys, sorry its been a while since I've logged on, spent the last two week in hospital. Any hoo we got the running, turns out we had to prime the engine with oil... (rookie mistake) runs well now apart from it burning oil, I thought seals obviously seating, however since I have done nearly 1k not so sure now. We also had to replace the radiator, the teat that goes to the resivor tank broke being plastic, so now it has a nice shiny full aluminium radiator. :)


Getting There... Slowly

It is sad to say, but I have had to sell the RX8 due to funding and stress :banghead: issues. I will miss her....

I would like to thank everybody on these forums for all the help and advice you have given me over my short time here.

I have stuck with my Mazda's tho! Got myself a 2008 MX-5 Power Hard Top with a six speed manual and all the options!

Anyway, thanks again everyone, and happy motoring.

majjic