My 2005 Rx8. It has 95k. The car has been having rough starts lately. Ever since taking the car up a mountain pass a few weeks back.

The rough start doesn't seem to be nearly as bad as it was 2 weeks ago (immediately after going up the mountain pass). But it is still a rough start.

In addition, the CAT didn't survive the trip up the mountain. It got cooked. - ** It is important to mention that no engine cell was displayed while started to CAT die afterwards (clogged). Looking inside the CAT the honey comb was developing a crack across 1/3 of the total area. So, we suspected a clogged CAT (perhaps melted internally?).....so that was replaced with a new silenced pipe (Pretty happy with this). However typically throws a cell, since no CAT is present. Will probably get a cobb for the car.

Also, sadly, I am replacing the clutch too. This is the first clutch and well, I guess it's time to replace it after 95k. Again.. the mountain pass.


However, what concerns me the most, is that "after moderate driving" the engine develops a slight burning plastic smell from the area under the battery. There is more heat in the engine compartment and it seems to be mostly from the lower engine area. I have taken the engine cover off, just for safe keeping.

Today I noticed white steam coming from the passenger side brake radiators next to the fog light.

• I checked the coolant and it is still on F - Line (full?) I don't think it looks low, or looks strange. The liquid inside is kinda clear. Little misty, but that's it.
• Don't know when the last time the spark plugs where replaced... they will be replaced soon, just to eliminate that possible problem.
• There is no black emission upon opening of the coolant reservoir. No bubbles caused by revving the engine.

I'm hoping I didn't cook my seals... again, from too much heat.

**My previous RX8 was driven like this too, and it had no problems driving up a mountain. Fast.*** The sort of driving I was previously used to.

++I should mention that I have never heard the marbles in a can sound from this car. Except briefly when I was driving up the mountain. That was the only time.

 

The engine is still under warranty. If I need to go that route.

 

Water on hot oil coolers can result in steam...sure it isn't that? It was raining pretty good today

 

That... would be the best outcome. It was raining at the time...
Maybe I'm just an over reactive parent. (Baby's got a sneeze).