philzeey

Hello, this is my second post as a follow up to my car problems. Just bought my rx8 maybe 2-3 weeks ago. Mazda dealer said its 99% likely I have an engine compression issue and need a new engine but I can't get it diagnosed or anything done until my extended warranty goes through. So I'm hoping this warranty company will cover it or I'm screwed. Felt like I regret buying this car entirely but hey what's done is done. Anyways my question is can engine compression issues lower gas mileage? Cause I just got a 107.3 miles on roughly 12.68 gallon tank. That's like 8.4 mpg.. And that's all city btw.

niteshade247

Yes low compression can kill you MPG so can't bad coils but with that low of MPG it could be a lot of things working against you all at the same time. Any hard staring when car is hot? Slow starts? How's the idle?

gwilliams6

I am taking a guess that you bought a 2004 or 2005 used RX8 with high mileage ? If so then the car may have original plugs, coils and wires and maybe an original (non updated) starter. OEM Coils should be changed every 30,000 miles tops and change the wires and plugs when you change coils. Any ignition issues will contribute to poor combustion and thereby wasted gas, and the resultant poor mileage. And how do you drive in the city, do you have a heavy or light foot? You should be in the teens for mpg in the city with careful use of the right pedal.

Yes you should have gotten a compression test BEFORE you bought the car. Folks don't and then find out their engine is failing, an expensive proposition unless your warranty covers it, or you are still within the Mazda 8yr/100,000 mile rotary engine warranty (this is from the original first sale date of the car).

Get that compression test done before spending on other items. Get the original computer printout and share the numbers here so we can help you evaluate your next course of action.

Sadly too many private owners and dealers are selling used RX8s with all kinds of issues, including failing engines. If you don't have experience with rotaries then even a RX8 with a failing engine can seem to run ok, just enough to get you to fall in love with it and buy. You are not alone here. We won't be judgmental on your purchase. You got the car so lets all help you save it.

philzeey

Yeah Its a 2004 Mazda, and it might have stock everything. its at 90k soo.... And i want to replace all of it but i really just want that engine compression done first before I do anything. My extended warranty covers my entire engine so the mazda people said it should work out in my favor.
But yes it seems to start up cold better than when it starts up hot. The idle seems fine 99% of the time. it idles right at 1, or right below it. It's really hard to start it sometimes but I know 99% of the time it will start, its just the question how long. The Starter seems to really suck too. I just want to replace everything but i i won't until i get my new engine. I have to wait around 12 more days to get it diagnosed.

niteshade247

I don't think you'll be covered under the 8year 100k mile warenty if I'm not mistaken it's what ever comes first and yours is 10 years old. It dose sound like you could have the start of a failing engine if it's the original engine 90k is good life for a 04 S1.

gwilliams6

The OP says he has an extended warranty so maybe he is covered beyond the original Mazda engine warranty. I have seen that be the case when a Mazda dealer puts an extended warranty on a used car. If you read what he says, it looks like that is what he has and they have told him the engine IS covered. So if his compression test shows a failing engine, he is covered. At least that is how I am reading his posts.

Legot

iTrader: (1)

That's how I read it as well. OP, do whatever you can to get that test before your warranty goes out, or you will really really regret buying this car.

philzeey

Alright after dealing with my warranty company and mazda. Mazda really went and tryed to help me out to get this car fixed, I really like the guys that work there. I'm getting a new engine! :D. The mazda said my engine should be somewhere around 8.9 compression, and it came back with 3.2 so they condemned it. Anyways it should take around a week or so to get my new engine and all I have to pay is 100$ for the deductible. Really glad I'm getting this fixed, and now i can start doing other things to it. I'll probably start with new ignition coils, and such. Any other recommendations?

I've done alot of research on the car but I want some tips from you guys too. What should I do as far as turning it off and on? How should I drive it? RPMs that it should rest at while driving? How to handle it better in the winter (it just started snowing here)? Thanks guys

Legot

iTrader: (1)

Ignition Coils, all around sensor cleaning (both resets too!), and several coolant flushes. Apparently the remanufactured engines often have problems with excess sealant causing coolant passage blockages and subsequent overheating and early failures.

You might also consider a new fuel pump.

digitalmonkey79

Yeah, I have a 2005, and I'm going to get the compression test in two days. It starts awesome as a cold start, and most of the time warm, but not every time. I add oil to it when needed, I fixed a radiator leak, but i'm really thinking of getting a new or reman engine. I love this car and want it to run for a long time. The person who had it before me painted the emblems white really sloppy, so i've been gently scraping that white crap off. Its looking better now.

ken-x8

If you haven't read the new owner's thread yet, you should take the time to read it. A little scary in places, like the consent form before surgery or the warning insert in drugs, but full of the collective wisdom of this site.

When you get your new engine, follow one of the "slow" break in methods, where you go gently and increase revs in stages.

Welcome to the rotary world. When you get that new engine you'll be amazed at how much fun this car is.

Ken