Valerie Donovan

So I brought my Rx8 to my mechanic and he was able to run a compression test and found one of the rotors is losing a lot of compression which explains why it's been running in "limp" mode for a good while. Every now and then I would hear a weird rattling noise coming from under the hood somewhere while driving at high rpm's. Here is a list of the specifications and what has been done so far...

Vehicle: 2005 Mazda Rx8 6-speed Manual Transmission, 97,000/miles.
__________________________________
Repairs Made:
- Clutch Kit: Replaced
- Alternator & Battery: Replaced
- Spark Plugs: Replaced
- Radiator: Replaced
- Secondary Shutter Valve: Replaced w/ bolts
- Throttle Body: Cleaned
__________________________________

I'm about to buy the apex seals but was also informed that I should take a look at the rotor housing as well to make sure it's still clean with no damage from the seals.

The vehicle does not seem to want to start up now which we originally thought it just needs a new timing belt, but then that's when he ran a compression test and found how much compression was being lost. I currently do not have the numbers that were read from the test.

The mechanic I am going to is willing to do the work for $800 (excluding cost of parts), he's owned the Rx7 and had to replace the seals on his when he had it. I just want to verify that this sounds about right on this being the issues that the apex seals are probably bad, and want to know what else may need replaced in the process. I'm on a very tight budget at the moment so trying to keep it to a minimum as possible, thus why if the rotor housing is still good and all I need is the seals and springs, then I'd rather just get those for now and worry about the rest later.

If anyone knows an honest and affordable mechanic in the area [Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania] please do let me know as I'd be willing to pay for the repair, and would like a second opinion.

ZiG

Hmm, that issue sounds like it could be the corner seals, not necessarily the apex seals. Could also be the side seals or cutoff seals though, best to replace them all while you're in there. You will also need the closing kit (gaskets, rotor housing o-rings) as these parts can't be reused.

Atkins Rotary is the best place to get all that stuff. If the mechanic offered to do the timing belt at the same time, may as well. I don't see it listed on the Atkins website but I know they carry them. Just phone them and ask for it.

Edit: Nvm found the timing belt: https://www.atkinsrotary.com/store/0...H1-12-205.html

Valerie Donovan

Checking their site out now, I'm just worried as what the cost will be. I have about $500 to work with in parts and the seals + Springs are already costing $370ish

Valerie Donovan

Guessing you have had to do this as well?

Loki

iTrader: (1)

No this does not sound about right, as was pointed out multiple times in the other thread.

This car has NO timing belt, and the suggestion that it should be replaced makes me believe this mechanic is frighteningly underqualified to perform work on an RX8.

I can't recommend a mechanic in your area, but if you're on a budget, cut your losses and look for a new car. Spending 800+ on a half-way repair is $800 out the window. The right solution is a rebuilt engine (done by a professional like Pineapple Racing).

He might have had an RX7, he might not have, but he stands to make money from this transaction. This forum, which has nothing to gain, has had hundreds of RX7s and RX8s between us.

I would also question the need for the previous work performed. Especially the "replaced w/ bolts" part, it all sounds very sketchy and expensive.

As for why it's not starting now, it could simply be flooded. There is a simple procedure for solving this: hold the gas all the way to the floor, attempt to start for 5 seconds. Wait 30 seconds, repeat. Repeat 3 times, then try to start normal.

Valerie Donovan

I trashed the other thread as too much information was left ungiven. The $800 is just for the labor, that was excluding the parts. I was just looking at this link though for a rebuild kit: 04-11 Rx8 6-Port Rebuild Kit A (ARE66-6)

Loki

iTrader: (1)

This may help explain what's involved in replacing the apex seals / rebuilding the engine (it's the same thing), and what the risks are. Worth the 20 minutes I think.
It's an RX7, but the process is the same.

Valerie Donovan

I'll deff check it out. Honestly I would trade it in, but unfortunately the vehicle is still being financed so right now I don't have much of a choice than to get it fixed. So guessing a rebuild kit would be best bet.

Valerie Donovan

I can see I will be looking between $455 - $1350 for the rebuild kit itself.

ZiG

Yeah the 455 is just the soft seals though, no apex seals, no side, corner seals etc. Once you add that in you're around $1400.

You can find a used engine for less than that and by rights it should be cheaper to install compared to rebuilding yours. This guy is probably parting his car BECAUSE the motor popped but you could call him: https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/pts/5910097209.html Or look for other similar posts.

Valerie Donovan

I'll probably end up with purchasing the masterkit and finding a mechanic that has the experience to rebuild it. Thanks for the advice, it may cost more than expected but butter than slapping **** together without any know how.

Loki

iTrader: (1)

I'd suggest buying a rebuilt engine. Or a used one with a good compression test. When you take the engine apart, you may find housings have worn out and need to be replaced. I know it's the most expensive option, but it's the least risk of being even more expensive.

NotAPreppie

$800 labor + $1400 in parts is $2200.

Honestly, at that point, you should just go with a rebuild from a reputable rebuilder. Hell, you could get a whole rebuilt shortblock for $2500 from OJ Imports (they have a few on eBay right now).

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

The $800 quote for the RE/RE of the engine is decent.....but without opening your engine up the parts bill (like we have been saying all along) is going to be $1200 if you are extremely fortunate....... to well over the price of a Reman or rebuilt engine from someone that knows what they are doing.

Personally I wouldn't use aftermarket apex seals in an engine that is going to be a daily driver and not pre-mixed. Mazda OEM seals are not a lot more expensive...and there is a lot more involved than just a strip of metal. They have some high tech hardening processes on them. I have seen some of the aftermarket alternatives last less than 10K miles...some even less than that. Saving a few hundred on apex seals and then doing it all over again in less than a year won't be cost effective.

archwisp

iTrader: (1)

This. Send an email to Pineapple Racing or Banzai Racing. Both reputable rebuilders and they will be able to quote a price for you.

IRPerformance

iTrader: (6)

A full rebuild kit with Mazda oem parts is over $1600 alone. The only correct way to do a rebuild is to replace all seals, springs, gaskets, bearings, oil control rings, cutoff seals, etc. Sure you could re-use some stuff, but the engine will never make as much compression or last nearly as long as a proper build. This is assuming your rotor housings, irons, rotors, eshaft, etc are good. Things start to add up quick if they are not reusable. A reputable builder should be charging a grand labor to assemble a motor, more if it involves porting. No idea who OJ imports is but I can guarantee they aren't replacing every wear item at that price.

$800 is an extremely good deal to remove/replace a motor. You won't find that in my area.

A used motor is a gamble. If anything make sure it is out of a running car and verified by a rotary-specific compression tester.

To sum up do it the right way and do it once. Otherwise you will find yourself paying two or three times the price in the long run. We easily do 2-3 rx8 motors a month. Some of them ones we have been on the road for 10 years/150k miles and are still going strong since we did the motor. If you would like a quote call me at the shop and I would be more than happy to help you.