Does the shape, weight, and design of a rotary make it easier to start than a piston engine in cold weather, or just as difficult?
I get my RX-8 this week and temperatures are starting to drop below -30C. I'm worried about starting it with no block heater.

Has anyone had trouble starting they're 8 in cold weather? Specifically those in colder cities Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg...
and if so what are you doing to get an easier start on cold mornings? Anything cheap and easily installed.

 

Yes, it does seem to take more OOMPH to get a rotary to start due to the large swept area inside.

That said, I was over at the Villa Canzoomer this evening as it touched -23*C. His '8 sits outside, and it started right up.

I have just received my 250 watt 'stick-on' type sump heater from J.C. Whitney, in Chicago, and I will be putting it on to ease the start ups. 'Zoomer has a circulating type heater, but it is also not in yet.

Will keep you posted...

S

note to Mazda Canada - "Where is the FRICKIN block heater, you morons?"

 

Calgary really doesn't get very cold. Maybe 2 weeks of -25c temps per year. The rest of the time it's pretty decent.

However, Calgary had a cold snap a while back and I noticed absolutely no problems starting the car at -20c. There wasn't even a labored start. It just fired right up.

I will say that the engine is fully warmed up by the time I shut it off for the night. For people with 10 minute commutes it might be different. I do the rev trick in cold weather for short jaunts (ie: rev to about 4K and shut the engine off).

 

Hey there your talking about Mazda Canada, first they need a brain to think, then maybe some customer service, some respect for their customer, and maybe after that youll get a block heater... :D

MAdjoker

 

Hi Pauletta,

I'm also in Winnipeg - and have been driving my '8 ...

It's been very cold this week, but have had no trouble starting it .... you'll be fine... but get winter tires!

Jeremy

 

i just got my RX-8 back from my dealership...where it was for starter problems. They did not find any but yesterday it still had problems starting. SO I phoned agian and was told by my dealership they are recalling the RX-8s for starter problems.

by the way I am in Calgary

 

What dealership, please?

Today is the first mention on the forum anywhere of a starter-related recall, I haven't heard of many starter problems so far!

Thanks,
Gordon