I'm new to my rx8 (about 2 months) and I am just trying to learn all I can about it. Especially since it had to be towed to the dealership last night because it flooded. It's an 04 with only 7500 miles on it. The only good thing is I'm going to get my 05 key monday. (they said they could order one for $47, both pieces. why is the rosenthal one $186? - and it isn't an 04 key, they can get that for $23) Any way, I've been reading all the posts on flooding and what people do; they've been a big help, but can any one explain to me why flooding actually happens? Specifically in an 8? I just want to know the actual physics as to why the car won't start.

Thanx

 

Basically, it's a known headache w/ Rotary engines. During cold starts, the fuel mixture is very rich and if the engine is not brought to normal operating temp. & burn adequately before the engine is turned off, then the remaining rich fuel mist will "flood" the spark plugs, and you'll have to get them replaced (as the engine won't start).
Have you been following the basic preventative measures for flooding, such as making sure the engine is warmed up properly before shutting off? I'm assuming the Dealer emphasized this when you bought the car, including other important measures such as closely monitoring your oil level and not overheating the engine. If not, they did you a big disservice.

 

Geez, there is tons of info on that subject on here if you just look. Most have no problem unless you don't follow the rules of the rotary! Why buy one if you don't look inot this before you buy?

 

Flooding is just one of the quirky things about the rotary. It's exactly as demob05 said. You can prevent it by simply being **** about watching the temperature gauge, and making sure it moves by at least 1/4th, with midway being ideal. And if you do ever need to do a cold shutdown, be certain to rev to 3000 (2000 has worked for me so far though when I don't want to make a big scene) and hold it there for a few seconds while turning the key to off. That way the rotors will sweep any remaining fuel out of the chamber so that your next startup won't risk flooding.

Most people that I've mentioned this to as a quirk of rotaries think it's ridiculous that this has to be done and they can't even believe a "new car" would have such a problem. They fail to even understand that the engine is totally different and unique, and that only the Mazda RX series of cars uses it.