Rotary-RX8

iTrader: (1)

Sorry if this has been covered before (it probably has) but i guess i didnt dig deep enough. I just checked my oil level and it was like a quarter full I guess ive been slacking on topping up the oil levels. I was wondering what the worst damage that could possibly happen because of this ?? Or will there be any damage at all ...


Also recently my car has felt .. slow on the low rpm acceleration could that have been why ?

THanks,

Ken

jasonrxeight

after 2000 post and you still need to ask this question?
damage? not so much since its still on the dipstick. just add some more.

Rotary-RX8

iTrader: (1)

im still a noob at heart LOL. Deep down i know its terrible for the engine but im tryana tell myself its not

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

If your oil gets too low then the low oil light will come on. Noob.

PJLyons

iTrader: (3)

^ +1 if your light didn't come on you shouldn't worry too much

Rotary-RX8

iTrader: (1)

oil light didnt come on and it was on the LAST little tick. So i guess the light comes on when theres like a drop of oil left .. ?

ken-x8

It holds something like 6 1/2 quarts. The bottom mark on the stick means it's down almost 2 quarts from full...and is pretty much the "definitely add" line. But not the "You're about to blow up" line. That's indicated by the oil pressure gauge dropping to zero.

So add oil and you're fine. Just don't start a thread asking what kind of oil you should top it off with.

Ken

Rotary-RX8

iTrader: (1)

Thanks ken.. ya i freaked out and filled her up. My real question is Did this cause any internal damage in terms of seals or anything ??

Also, will the low oil levels cause sluggish acceleration cause i have been experiencing that as well in lower rpms recently

Bladecutter

It could if the oil mist that gets sucked into the air intake system sludges up the SSV valve and builds up even more carbon on the rotor faces.

Chances are, your ignition system is probably starting to get tired, though.

BC.

pistonhater

RotoRocket

iTrader: (1)

Noob question there, OP, but it's my humble opinion that keeping the oil topped off (as in topped off at all times) is the most important factor, aside from diligent coolant flush and fills, in increasing the odds of a healthy, long relationship with your rotary.

Based on my personal experience, this doesn't necessarily require the "check the oil" every other fill up recommendation (though that can't hurt).

And unlike conventional motors, where oil & filter changes every 3k miles might be deemed overkill, they are not so with the rotary, IMO, given that each oil change is only swapping half the oil for those with manual transmissions.

ken-x8

The owner's manual does recommend keeping the oil level up, not just going by the bottom line on the stick. I don't know if that's generic boilerplate or rotary-specific, but given the role that oil plays in cooling our engines it makes a lot of sense to me.

I use a quart about every 2000 miles, which is about 10 to 12 fill ups. Even with liking to top off when I get a half quart down, checking every other fill up is somewhat zealous.

Ken

jasonrxeight

yea, every other fill up is a bit too much even for S2 standard.