*sigh* Whelp, I have flooded again, the second time on m-flash. Im trying to back this car but its hard when I dont know if Ill get home when I leave, or even if Ill leave. My closest dealer is 45 miles away, and I go to school in the opposite direction... Hmmmm. I kind of wish I hadn't leased so I had the option to sell. Its too bad there is such a fatal flaw in the car, as its so attractive and fun to drive.

10 months, no floods. Sometimes i dont even let her warm before i shut her down... What are you doing wrong?

Not a Fatal flaw just something you have to consider before you turn it off, I've had mine for 1year and 4months and no floods, just take care of it.

How did you do it this time? I would like to know so i don't do it when i get mine in 3weeks,any help would be very helpful.

10 months, no floods. Sometimes i dont even let her warm before i shut her down... What are you doing wrong?

Ditto.. Had mine since July '03, now has 23k miles on it - no flooding issues at all.

Seems like it affects some more than others. Hard to say if it's something with driving style or use habits, or if there are some more susceptible than others.

Here's a Tip:

Don't do what Jhonny Dont doesn't not do.


;)

Just don't start her up, then immediately shut her down. When you wanna shut down the car, make sure it's at a normal temperature and it's not cold.

I've had mine for almost 8 months and 6000 miles with no problems at all. It does seem like it varies from car to car.

I've had mine for almost 8 months and 6000 miles with no problems at all. It does seem like it varies from car to car.


More like it varies from driver to driver.

19,500 miles , no floods. I had a guy today tell me his daughter has an 8 and has flooded it 4 times in a few months. I just don't understand. Don't hit the gas when you start it , and don't cut it off without it hitting operating temp. Simple enough, huh?

2 words: USER ERROR.

I have never had a flood in the almost 2 years I have had the car.

over 4000 miles ...no flooding....never shut it down before temp gauge is in the middle. Use extra gas by idling...take it with a grain of salt....It is a quirk of this car

But I love this car....it is special....it tells you so around every corner!http://www.rx8club.com/newreply.php#
Smilie

But I love this car....it is special....it tells you so around every corner!

I think sometimes you guys overlook the point. How do you know its something he does. Just because you car has not flooded in 6mos 2day 1hr, does not mean you are magically doing something right. My car has not flooded, but i get 12 miles to a gallon. your car hasnt flooded but you get 20 miles to a gallon, there are variances in these cars and it does not matter what you do when you drive them the variances are still there. so how about instead of busting his balls you guys throw out a few recommendations instead of talking about how your car hasnt done it and its not a problem to you.

Take your car into the dealer immediately if you haven't already. If you are not causing it to flood then there is something wrong with the vehicle. I know in PA if I bring it in 3 times for the same problem within 1 year or 12,000 miles I can use the lemon law to get a new one. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and presume it's a mechanical issue with teh car and not an operator error. If so, this is what you should do.

I think sometimes you guys overlook the point. How do you know its something he does. Just because you car has not flooded in 6mos 2day 1hr, does not mean you are magically doing something right. My car has not flooded, but i get 12 miles to a gallon. your car hasnt flooded but you get 20 miles to a gallon, there are variances in these cars and it does not matter what you do when you drive them the variances are still there. so how about instead of busting his balls you guys throw out a few recommendations instead of talking about how your car hasnt done it and its not a problem to you.
The problem is the thread starter never gave much detail about what he felt went wrong. "My car flooded... wah-wah". No details given about whether he was warmed up or even if he makes sure its always warmed up, etc. etc.

So the only choice for people is to throw out the normal recommendation (ie. warm up the car) and their own personal experience (ie. no floods in so many months). If the thread starter wants help, he needs to give more detail on what happened.

Ok, you all want explanations. I can dig that. I am training to be a paramedic, and was doing a clinical with a large hospital, my first time at this institution. Just before I was about to get on the rig (ambulance) one of the nurses mentioned I had parked near a tow zone..the medics were nice enough to wait while I moved it...but NO WAY would they wait if I told them "Sorry, my car has a FATAL FLAW, and you all have to wait 10 to 15 minutes while it warms to operating temps so it will start again". Life....or "death" for that matter, doesn't "wait" so my damn car can warm up.

Mazda never gave a "Must run for 10 to 15 minutes on EACH and EVERY startup" disclaimer on the window tag. In cool weather it takes my car at least 13 to 16 minutes to reach full temp, a little quicker if I drive it. And obviously the M flash was just a pacifier... Im not failing the whole vehicle, just this major issue...and it is major. I have a vehicle that cannot, for any reason, be put to rest for at least 10 minutes after any startup. Some of us have lives that run faster and are more important than that. I really like the car, but I hate babysitting it. You wouldn't want the ambulance you called to be late because the medics mazda had to warm up. Good car, but BIG problem. And for the record, the first time it flooded was after a very lengthy drive... ;) So, user error is ok for the denial crowd, but not for the realists. When I picked it up from the dealer that first time, the techie asked what happened before it flooded and even said "Yup, sometimes she just might flood on ya". great.............

So thats the story. To whoever said take it to the dealer, I am on monday, but I have to wait until they are open since I will need a rental.

JUSTICE4RX8: Its a fun car, but only buy if you have the time and patience to make sure it will be at least reasonably reliable. If you have the extra time it's worth it.

Bam-Bam,
I assume you have tried the starting procedure for a flood. There are posts here where that procedure has worked after more than the 2 attempts recommended. But since the OEM battery is pretty weak, it may run out of juice before several attempts can be made to do the procedure. If that is the case with your situation--and even if it isn't--ask the dealer for a replacement battery. The replacement battery is much more hearty than the original and that will allow you to run the start procedure more than a couple of times. Let us know how you make out.

Bam-Bam,
Thanks for providing the additional details. I was confident that there was a circumstance surrounding your issue. Definitely an unfortunate circumstance, but everyone knows that rotary engines require more care. It is very well documented on this website. As an example, I find myself having to be strategic about where I get my gas. I don't want to fill up too close to home, since I won't have time to warm up before getting home, and I make sure not to stop for gas too soon after I've first started it for the same reasons. Inconvenient? Yes. But worth it? To me, it is. To quite a few people it probably is unacceptable. It's an individual choice. I am probably being overcautious, but I want to make sure to avoid any possibility of flooding. For the record, I have done a couple of low mileage trips before (<10 miles per startup) without any issue.

I don't fault you for what you had to do, but it was definitely a unique situation. Check out the TSB that details the latest most up-to-date starting procedure for floods and hopefully if it happens again, you will be able to deal with it. And stay away from those tow zones... ;P

The first time you flooded, was it before your M-flash? Good luck with your car.

BAM-BAM,
If you must turn your car off and it is not warmed up, put your foot on the gas and get the RPMS up to 3k for a few seconds, then take your foot off the gas and while the RPMS are going down but before RPMS get to normal idle, turn the engine off.

Then intent here is to expel the rich fuel mixture (because the car is not warmed up) out of the chambers to minimize flooding.

rx8cited

BAM-BAM,
If you must turn your car off and it is not warmed up, put your foot on the gas and get the RPMS up to 3k for a few seconds, then take your foot off the gas and while the RPMS are going down but before RPMS get to normal idle, turn the engine off.

Then intent here is to expel the rich fuel mixture (because the car is not warmed up) out of the chambers to minimize flooding.

rx8cited
The oldies might remember shutting off the older Rx series on decel and hearing what sounded like a cannon. Had an old Rx4 once that would split the muffler at the seams shutting it off too early. Actually what it did to the engine was probably worse if unburned fuel ignited in the exhaust manifold and forced pressure back into the port/exhaustchamber/rotor. So while that technique may work it should be done with some caution. *When the Rotary becomes as reliable as a piston engine, or, has had as much developement as one, it may well become commonplace.* Old Chinese Saying.

I think sometimes you guys overlook the point. How do you know its something he does. Just because you car has not flooded in 6mos 2day 1hr, does not mean you are magically doing something right. My car has not flooded, but i get 12 miles to a gallon. your car hasnt flooded but you get 20 miles to a gallon, there are variances in these cars and it does not matter what you do when you drive them the variances are still there. so how about instead of busting his balls you guys throw out a few recommendations instead of talking about how your car hasnt done it and its not a problem to you.

If a small number of people are flooding their cars, and the majority isn't, I'd say it has something to do with the owner's operation of the car, such as starting and shutting the engine down right away.

You want recommendations? Read the manual about shutdown procedures.

What M-Flash do you have? There was a buggy version that was stopped towards the end of 2004.

If a small number of people are flooding their cars, and the majority isn't, I'd say it has something to do with the owner's operation of the car, such as starting and shutting the engine down right away.

You want recommendations? Read the manual about shutdown procedures.

Well if the poll on another thread says 30% have flooded, and granted some may before the latest flash, battery etc., that may or may not be a small number of owners. Since *forum* members may be the most *aware* of owners, I wonder what the real world numbers are. You know, the rest of the owners that don't read this and just want a great looking car that performs well and operates flawlessly without having to go through a ritual everytime you start or stop it.

:mad: Thank's BAM BAM! At least someone cares that this is a problem,(DAMN WITH A $30,000 + CAR) tHANKS MAZDA!

Rotary Goober makes a good point. That shutting down method is potentially dangerous.
The important thing to consider with the batteries is that they are highly at fault in terms of cranking speed, along with the tiny starter that Mazda has opted to go with. Those of us who have been dealing with rotaries for decades have encountered these things. If it has a little excessive fuel in the chambers and it is cranked quickly enough it will come to life. These same principles apply also to piston engined vehicles also, they just have higher static compression and don't have combustion chambers that sweep past their plugs. Those of you who have flooded previously need to do eveything in your power to ensure that you have FULLY CHARGED BATTERIES and insist on new spark plugs.

Ok, sounds like you've had this problem before the M flash.

here's what you do:

Go to the dealer be polite but very demanding. Sounds like the plugs were fouled from the previous floods on the previous flash (s). Make them change the PLUGS and the OIL.

You can not fix those fouled plugs. They must be changed.

However if you know for a fact they changed the plugs, then............ ? ? ?

I gaurantee you they did not change the plugs.

Also, the battery is a piece of shit. Make them charge it. Better yet, replace that piece of junk. It's worth the $40

I only had mine to flood once, but have since gotten the flash. My dealer said they'd had trouble with people just "tapping" the starter and not keeping it engaged until the car started, causing a flood condition. Not sure I believe that but it does make some sense.

I agree this is a HUGE problem. I had lived in a large city and have just recently took a job with a large company headquartered in a very small city, and I may actually sell my 8 due to the flooding issues! Before the move, there were probably 3-4 times a year when I had to wait to shut down the 8. In other words, unless I was moving the car from the garage to the driveway, my drive was typically long enough to completely warm up. Now I am in a very rural area where I live a mile or two from work (or I will once we close on the new home) and to go out for lunch it's also very close. If I have to sit and wait for the car to warm up on 90% of my normal trips then this car will not be for me! Otherwise I love this car, 35k miles and no flood, but there has been hard starts and spotty dealership maintenence issues. PLEASE MAZDA FIX THE FLOODING AND STARTING ISSUES!

Mine flooded for the first time at the weekend.

Car has electronic fault that causes flooding on exceptional occasions according to Mazda technical department. The car is becoming a "b!stard" in the breakdown community because all the dealer/breakdown guys can do is turn the ignition on/off for 6 seconds periods until the flooding is resolved. (and you get a cool reaction of smoke from the twin exhausts when the car eventually starts back up). Sometimes it can take 2 mins or the guy was saying even 45 mins to get the car started.

Still, my opinion of the RX-8 remains unchanged - Its a gem.

Check out my DIY on deflooding in under 5 mins! ;)

The first time it flooded, the writeup stated they replaced plugs, new battery and new flash. This time...new plugs, new battery...and new flash. So there ya go. Im glad to see that other people think that a startup ritual is a pretty big deal...especially since its not significantly stated before purchase. I was beginning to think everyone on here is unemployed or is in high school and has all the time in the world to jump through all the hoops required to make this car run properly, or just start. Its not impossible to do, but I recently turned down a chance to go on a spring break road-trip down south because I was worried about something like this happening down there. My friends think I have the newest, most "reliable" vehicle out of all of us...but reliable is sadly stretching it sometimes. Like I said, love the car, hate the major flaw.

BAM-BAM,
Are you saying your car is on it's third battery according to your dealer? And the same for the plugs? Maybe I'm misunderstanding this. Something's wrong here.
Dishonest dealer maybe. I'm puzzled. If this is truly what they are stating, please seek a second opinion.
Paul.

BAM-BAM,
Are you saying your car is on it's third battery according to your dealer? And the same for the plugs? Maybe I'm misunderstanding this. Something's wrong here.
Dishonest dealer maybe. I'm puzzled. If this is truly what they are stating, please seek a second opinion.
Paul.

Affirmative. I know the batteries were new both times. I can only assume the plugs were new...why not put new plugs in as long as your de-flooding it? I really just think there is no solution so this is what they have to do...battery is ruined from me attempting mazda anti-flood start, plugs are saturated and fouled, and they figure why not give me the latest flash, or a reflash of the same kind as last time, in case it didnt take. Doesn't ssem to abnormal to me, but too bad there is no permanent solution.

I spoke with someone who has 2 RX7s (1992 and 1988 I believe) and apparently flooding is not a problem with just the RX8. It seems to be inherent with rotaries. He told me he installed a fuel cutoff switch and never has to worry about it. Hit the cutoff switch, then in a couple seconds shut off the engine. This is just what I was told and I haven't confirmed this information. Maybe other previous RX owners can confirm this. :confused:

salituro64,
Sorry to hear of your problem I just had Mazda put in the updated starter & battery & spark plugs and what a differance the new starter spins at 3x the speed as the old one and new battery is a 680 cca the new spark plugs are hotter than the old ones . Now its not easy to get mazda to pay for the parts the run all totaled around $1000.00 installed . :eek: I work at a Mazda store and I had to work on my rep for more than 2 weeks to get it done . Mazda is not willing to say there is a problem in the cold parts of the country but this will fix your problem :) .
Pat

BamBam -

If you get a chance read my posts under Tech Garage Issues and problems sticky thread Engine Flooding Info/Questions

Affirmative. I know the batteries were new both times. I can only assume the plugs were new...why not put new plugs in as long as your de-flooding it? I really just think there is no solution so this is what they have to do...battery is ruined from me attempting mazda anti-flood start, plugs are saturated and fouled, and they figure why not give me the latest flash, or a reflash of the same kind as last time, in case it didnt take. Doesn't ssem to abnormal to me, but too bad there is no permanent solution.

After 11 months of ownership and 13k miles, I became a member of the "Flood Club"! There was nothing about starting, shutting down to soon, etc.....Drove it 60 miles (amble warm-up time), put her in the garage, the days later..........in the car, push in the clutch, turn the key, and BANG! I am a new member; it was as simple as that.
Heck, I had just had it serviced a month earlier, re-flashed to M, blah, blah, blah
-a day later with a new battery, new plugs, etc...And I get a hard start today. I have to say as much as I love this car (just ask my wife...I love it) I am not pleased with the whole flooding thing.......for a consumer to have to say a little prayer each and every time I get in it that sounds something like this: "Dear God I am late....please do not let that flooding thing happen to me right now!" is BS.
Mazda Corp- if you guys are reading this stuff: FIX THE DAMN PROBLEM! HELL, MAN HAS WALKED ON THE FREAKING MOON FOR CHRIST SAKES! MAKE MY CAR START EACH AND EVERY TIME!

^^^ I say again:
Check out my DIY on deflooding in under 5 mins! ;)

Some of you guys don't get it. The typical owner doesn't want to hear about de-flooding methods and techniques. They just want worry free driving.

Some of you guys don't get it. The typical owner doesn't want to hear about de-flooding methods and techniques. They just want worry free driving.

What we want and what we get are not the same.

Better to get familiar with the de-flooding methods and flood prevention techniques on our own terms rather that after it happens ;).

So, am I to understand that a new starter is available from Mazda? Could I go into the dealer and request the new starter and battery?

For the record, I've not experienced a flood in 32,000 miles, but I do take every precaution to avoid it. I always let it warm up, and if I absolutely can't, I do the rev it to 3K trick.

So, am I to understand that a new starter is available from Mazda? Could I go into the dealer and request the new starter and battery?

For the record, I've not experienced a flood in 32,000 miles, but I do take every precaution to avoid it. I always let it warm up, and if I absolutely can't, I do the rev it to 3K trick.

I think at least you need to get the larger battery. The starter is a last ditch effort and from my tests I only shows minimal cranking speed gains.


If RX8 Pusher flooded with the major things performed (plugs/flash/battery) he will be the first HP model I have heard of...

Thanks snap-on. I think I'm going to request the battery at my next service. Even if I have to pay for it, it's probably worth it for peace of mind.

Loco4rx8,
You should not have to pay for the battery. They [Mazda] know that the battery is to small and has an influance in our flooding problem.

Snap-On, if you read RX8 Pushers post, he recieved all of the stuff [battery, plugs, flash] after he took the 8 in after the flooding.

I am with RX8 Pusher....I say a prayer every time I get in that it will start..... :mad:

One of the Rotary Mechanics at a local dealership recommended that I get a better battery than the stock ones Mazda uses. Should remedy the flooding part... more juice is better. He said Optima is pretty good... but not sure what the difference is with Red/Yellow tops though :P beats me.

You people who live in warm climates need to stop commenting on flooding. I see countless posts saying something like, "I've had my 8 for 13 months and it's never flooded." Then u see that the person lives in San Diego. Well two plus two equals four, but do u see me posting that shit all the time? FLOODING IS MOSTLY A COLD WEATHER PROBLEM. You can do whatever you want with the 8 in a warm climate. U can start it and shut it off quickly 100 times a day if u want. It's not usually going to flood.

You people who live in warm climates need to stop commenting on flooding. I see countless posts saying something like, "I've had my 8 for 13 months and it's never flooded." Then u see that the person lives in San Diego. Well two plus two equals four, but do u see me posting that shit all the time? FLOODING IS MOSTLY A COLD WEATHER PROBLEM. You can do whatever you want with the 8 in a warm climate. U can start it and shut it off quickly 100 times a day if u want. It's not usually going to flood.

I live in Southern California, Warm up the car all the time, use to own a FD so that's not like I don't know anything about Rotaries little issues. I've had it flooded twice already. One time I pulled out of driveway, went to the local market, came back, checked the car 2 hours later...and kaput.. dead. The other time was at the autobody shop, told them to warm it up, keep it running when it's parked for a few minutes even. Kaput. Dead.

So don't assume it's ONLY a cold issue. There's something up.. perhaps it's the battery... I'll change it soon and see if that helps this issue.

I live in Southern California, Warm up the car all the time, use to own a FD so that's not like I don't know anything about Rotaries little issues. I've had it flooded twice already. One time I pulled out of driveway, went to the local market, came back, checked the car 2 hours later...and kaput.. dead. The other time was at the autobody shop, told them to warm it up, keep it running when it's parked for a few minutes even. Kaput. Dead.

So don't assume it's ONLY a cold issue. There's something up.. perhaps it's the battery... I'll change it soon and see if that helps this issue.

R u sure that flooding is the problem? I'm not assuming anything. It think it is fact that flooding happens mostly in cold weather.

Damn Joe, kind of harsh wording there. As a self-proclaimed expert on the flooding issue, how do you account for the warm weather floods?
Your comment of "but do u see me posting that shit all the time?" is what I am talking about.... you act as if you are tired of reading about flooding in your "private" rx8 club forum. It is a forum for the discussions of problems like "flooding". If you are tired of reading about it, then I suggest that you stop spending your valuable time in front of the computer and do something constructive.

R u sure that flooding is the problem? I'm not assuming anything. It think it is fact that flooding happens mostly in cold weather.

Am I sure? Yes I'm sure. 100% Postive. I saw the rotary mechanic diagnose the problem, and changed out my spark plugs at the dealership. Unless you are some omnipotent being, I doubt you will know more about Rotary than the mechanic that has been working on these types of cars for the last 20 years.

I can guide you to people living in cold climates that have never had any flooding issues.

Cold Climates can lead to higher chances of flooding, but not the only reason. I would love for you to show me the prove that says "happens mostly in cold weather."

Btw, you first said you are NOT assuming anything.. then you say, "It (sic) think it is fact.... " Well you are assuming. You think it is, you don't have facts to prove it. Next time try and think before you post.

I can guide you to people living in cold climates that have never had any flooding issues.

Cold Climates can lead to higher chances of flooding, but not the only reason. I would love for you to show me the prove that says "happens mostly in cold weather."

.

And I can guide you to a man with 3 dicks. What does that mean? Nothing. You are an idiot because u keep flooding your car in a warm climate. What proof do u want? Look at the other threads on flooding. It is mostly a cold weather issue. I NEVER said it ONLY happens in the cold. So basically you aren't telling me anything i didn't know. So why dont u think before u post.

Damn Joe, kind of harsh wording there. As a self-proclaimed expert on the flooding issue, how do you account for the warm weather floods?
Your comment of "but do u see me posting that shit all the time?" is what I am talking about.... you act as if you are tired of reading about flooding in your "private" rx8 club forum. It is a forum for the discussions of problems like "flooding". If you are tired of reading about it, then I suggest that you stop spending your valuable time in front of the computer and do something constructive.

I'm at work u jackass. My time isn't that valuable right now. My job is being done by computers. I just have to make sure the computers dont mess up, and they aren't, so that means I dont have anything to do.

And yes I'm tired of all these morons who come on here and say that they dont have any flooding issues (when they live in Florida or California) and that it might be drivng habits causing flooding, or that it might be car specific. There are two things that NORMALLY cause flooding, cold weather and quick shut offs. That's it. Anything else is an exception.

Am I sure? Yes I'm sure. 100% Postive. I saw the rotary mechanic diagnose the problem, and changed out my spark plugs at the dealership. Unless you are some omnipotent being, I doubt you will know more about Rotary than the mechanic that has been working on these types of cars for the last 20 years.

I can guide you to people living in cold climates that have never had any flooding issues.

Cold Climates can lead to higher chances of flooding, but not the only reason. I would love for you to show me the prove that says "happens mostly in cold weather."

Btw, you first said you are NOT assuming anything.. then you say, "It (sic) think it is fact.... " Well you are assuming. You think it is, you don't have facts to prove it. Next time try and think before you post.

Like I said, there are two things that NORMALLY cause flooding, cold weather and quick shut offs. Anything else is an exception and rare. go find the proof yourself. And go flood your car again jackass

You know Joe.....your comments are lacking in content and vernacular. As for your name-calling, lets just say you are proving my point. Do us all a favor and use your spare time for personality development. Your personal attacks should not go un-notice by the moderators and you should reference the posting guidelines before further postings.
Regards

You know Joe.....your comments are lacking in content and vernacular. As for your name-calling, lets just say you are proving my point. Do us all a favor and use your spare time for personality development. Your personal attacks should not go un-notice by the moderators and you should reference the posting guidelines before further postings.
Regards

I can see where Joe gets his rage from though... look at how upset he is over a simple thread. If I had to work at a low paying job watching computers and maintaining them, I would be pretty irate too. Kinda feel bad for the guy.

Joe, since you know a guy with 3 dicks, please tell the rest of us where we can find this abomination of a creature and I'll Double your income for this year. And yes I do make enough to easily cover your income for the rest of the year if you were wondering. So please inform us with this detail... next time, calm down, think, and then calm down some more before you type. It's only a message board.

I've had my car a year and a half and i just flooded about 2 weeks ago. went out to warm my car then went back inside. came back out and the car had some how idled to low i guess and shut off. couldnt start it back up. dealer came and got and did the new n flash. theres also recalls right now on the starter and battery so they replaced them too. mine were fine but they went ahead and did them anyways. also got the plugs replaced. i dont know if it was the n flash or not but my car is running great again. no more rough idles and it actually has a little more power.

Well, i do believe I talked to the mechanic at the Mazda Texh Competition.

He said they fixed BAM BAM's problem and hven't heard from him since.

There is a new battery, starter and N flash available.