Just spent the weekend with a flooded RX-8 that wouldn't start. Tried to start it 4 or 5 times. Got the updated procedures from the dealer (pedal to floor etc,) but still couldn't get it started. Have had the car to 1 1/2 years and never had starting problems before. Dealer suggested I bring it into their shop.

However, before I called the tow-truck I pulled out the fuel pump fuse (#22) and turned over the engine for 5 or 6 seconds twice. It started right away (until it ran out of fuel!) Replaced the fuse and got it finally started resulting in lots of smoke in the garage! I spoke to the RX-8 mechanic and he told me that that is exactly what they do at the shop. If necessary, they will also take out the spark plugs too.

Prior to it not starting I had run it without letting it warm up. I do have the latest flash.

For what its worth.

Joe

 

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...1-04-1273d.pdf

Many procedures here for Crank no Start.

 

funny thing..... I dreamed I had flooded my 8 last night.... LOL :D
but thanks for the info!!

 

Once was enough > last summer, 30 k outside of Timmins at that! ..story posted in August. After reading it, steve067 kindly pm'ed the fuse removal workaround. Keep it in my glovebox

 

My 04 auto rx8 wont start, i thought its because its a flooded engine, so i tow to a shop, had new spark plug, starter is good, just wont start and technician dont know what cause it, possible engine failure? i have extend engine warranty, to 80,000 miles now my car is currently 73,000 miles, will they cover it if it the engine's problem? Can i get some adivce please, thanks

 

Good luck, Have you checked the compression?

 

Does the engine turn?

 

I had my first flood about 2 months ago. I took the fuze out but it still took me about 25 mintues to get it going.

 

I'm not familiar with this fuel pump fuse procedure. Is there a step by step guide? Or is it as easy as just removing the fuse. Crank the engine.... then put back the fuse?

 

Yeah if someone can clarify, that'd be very helpful. The standard procedure, pedal to the floor, etc, isn't working.

I'm in the middle of dealing with this myself. My dad moved it and didn't know to let it warm up fully.

QUESTION: So I took the plugs out to verify they are wet and the thing is flooded. They are, and I'm going to let it sit with the plugs out overnight to dry out. However, I noticed that there is a fair bit of oil on the plugs. Exactly how much oil is injected into the engine, and is it possible that perhaps 60 seconds worth of cumulative cranking over the past few days (with no starting) can "flood" the engine with oil? Could this be a problem as well as the fuel flooding??

 

I have had 2 floods. The last one I guess I tried to start it too many times, because fuel got in the oil and I needed an oil change. Can somebody please PM me the fuse removal start procedure or post it here? the link in this thread is dead. Thx.

 

These are great tips. I tried them but unfortunately my battery wouldn’t last long enough to clear the flood before starting so had to resort to calling the AA (breakdown service in UK). The guy they sent round had an interesting technique which I’ve blogged about here:
http://spinage.me.uk/228/starting-mazda-rx-8-with-flooded-engine/

 

Take off a spark plug and burn the fuel with a long neck lighter...?

 

You don't need to remove the fuse. Holding the accelerator to the floor cuts off the fuel flow but keeps the spark.

 

So holding the accelerator to the floor, CUTS fuel? I was told to never start it using the gas pedal, since I'd just be dumping more fuel? So when exactly do you then hold it? Hold it down before cranking the engine and keep it held down?

 

Hold it to the floor before you turn the key and yes, keep it held down
It's throttle by wire, so you are essentially just telling the computer that you want to crank it over without injecting fuel.

 

Once you're back in business, put the gas pedal to the floor while cranking to prove to yourself that the car will not start.

 

uhhh... bump for what exactly?

 

I stupidly flooded my car this morning. I tried starting it with the gas floored with no luck, and didn't have time to mess with it anymore. I was planning to pull the fuel pump fuse when I try starting it this evening.

Is there any concerns dumping all that raw fuel through the cats and damaging them? I seem to recall that the PO flooded it and had to replace the cats (along with the coils, plugs and wires) just before I got it. I am thinking about pulling the spark plugs along with the fuse to try to dry the engine out. Any reason not to?

Thank you.