beelineuk

Hi,

I have a 2006 Mazda Rx-8 that's only done 25k miles. It recently had some work to fix an external oil leak by a Mazda dealership.

Within a week it's now lost 2.5 litres of oil over 50miles. They said there is still no external leak, so it looks like there's an internal oil leak where the engine is burning oil. It is smoking (but I was told it would for a while after the original repair).

I've been told it now requires an engine rebuild to identify and resolve the issue. Can anyone advise a company that specialise in RX-8 rebuilds in or around London/Brighton.

Does anyone have any idea of costs involved in a rebuild, and whether it's worth chasing Mazda for financial contribution given the age and low mileage?

Thanks,
Mike

bse50

pm Shifty, he can tell you where not to go.

beelineuk

No response from various pms, but managed to get a recommendation from a Dealership. I highly recommend Super7 Auto in Worthing for rebuilds.

It looks like the damage to mine is minimal as initial compression tests show in performing above factory standard. I may therefore get away with a partial rebuild.

bse50

Doing a partial rebuild is pointless. Stay away from whoemever told you that.

beelineuk

Is your point that if you are having to dismantle the engine then you may as well replace the parts with new and avoid the chance of developing future issues?

I'm confident that I'm dealing with a reputable company, but appreciate your thoughts. I'll see if I can relay what I was told.

Based on the initial compression test he said it's highly unusual to have perfect compression after oil starvation. The fact that it is still burning oil suggests that could just be the oil seals that are damaged, and it's likely the blades and tips are going to be good. There is a chance that the housing may be damaged from metal-metal contact, or visible signs where the metal has turned blue and affected the tempering making it prone to future problems. If this is the case it needs to be replaced or reconditioned depending on type of damage. If not then it does not need replacing and there could be significant cost savings of up to £1,000 all things considered. It's all speculation until the engine is inspected.

The fact that the engine will be guaranteed for 2 years after the repair fills me with confidence, given that Mazda only guarantee a brand new engine for 3. Should I still be worried?

bse50

Shifty's engine was warrentied as well... i'd trust the builder over any kind of warranty since they're the ones holding the knife anyway. It's not a critic, just food for thought.

I say that there's no thing such as a partial rebuild because both the apex seals and housings wear in an uneven way. The center of the seal wears faster (especially on non-premixed engines) so the outer edge of the housing wears more on the other side.
Your engine would have the exact same mileage as it had before the rebuild if you don't replace those parts... is it worth the hassle of going through such an expensive thing labor wise only to get an "used" engine back? It might not be a bad idea for most engines but in this case you're 90% sure that your unit came out with excessive seal tolerances and clearances...
I'd also tell them to put a modified oil pressure regulator and then premix from day one but that's just me. I don't like the s1 renesis' low oil pressure and lack of center oil drippler

Will66

Shifty's motor was built by Carl Hayward at Hayward Rotary. It's not run properly for some reason which no one can work out why. I know several other RX8s with Hayward Rotary engines and they're pretty good. If you can make the trip up north to Leeds then Rotary Revs are doing some good stuff too.

beelineuk

Thanks for the all the help. I've got my RX-8 back and so far good as new - very expensive in the end as 2 plates and 2 rotors needed replacing but at least it should be good.

Fernando Lopes

I see that there quite few rotary specialist on the UK. Since I am moving to Norway anyone would know if some of these rotary specialist works with international shipping? Or would this be extremely expensive?

Will66

It's not cheap shipping motors to Norway, 100 kg plus shipping weight both ways for a rebuild plus the cost of the rebuild itself.

jamshedchhapra

Hello Mike,

As You have mentioned that your Car might need Engine Rebuild and as you are in London. If you could just take your Mazda Rx8 to Halsted Kent, Then you can meet Mr. Steeve at Warren Court Rotaries. He is an RX8 Specialist and has dedicated his business only to Mazda Rx8 cars. He offers all services you might need from time to time, in addition to the RX8 Engine Rebuild you are looking for.

Thanks,

Jamshed Chhapra

diarmuiddallat

Hi Guys,

Just got my car back from Warren Court and I'm really happy with how the guys did my low compression rebuild. I shipped the car over from N.I as their 2 year warranty was simply the best cover I could see. Steve did the rebuild in a week and then I shipped the car back over. No messing about or massive bills, they done a good professional job. My car is the 2006 rx8 231. Had a bad back rotor and chamber. Rebuild has it running like new. Keeping it below 4,500 rpm for 1,000 miles then full service and its good to go.

Thanks,

Diarmuid