xAgyex

Hey RX-8 team, does anyone know of any good shops in MD, which actually have good experienced Mechs who have worked on RX-8 before? I just need 100k miles service, Radiator replacement, and rear struts replaced.

Thanks all

05rx8_alex

I have the same question! I would love to know of any RX8 mechanics or shops in Baltimore County/Reisterstown area. I have an '05 in need of some attention...nothing major. Thanks.

xAgyex

05rx8_alex, what is the issue with your Rx8? Maybe I can be of some help?

05rx8_alex

Wow! Thank you!

I'll give you the whole story, and you can see what you think!

Over the winter (which was really cold), I noticed that it would take longer to warm up. It would "miss" or hiccup a little bit in the lower gears (like 1st and 2nd). Then, more recently, it is doing the same thing in the hot weather when the engine is cold. It has never stalled on me, but I do have some moments in 1st or 2nd gear when I think it might. I give it more gas and then it is fine. It like it needs more "gas" then it used to in 1st and 2nd when I am turning for example. When it warms up, this problem seems to go away.

The second symptom, which seems related to me :-), is that it doesn't start as crisply as it did before. It has a pretty new battery, and it turns over just fine. It's like it can't catch. It always starts. It just lingers in that "catching" phase much longer than it used to. This happens no matter how warm or cold the engine is.

Please know that I am not a car person at all, but I do know my car very well. I've had it for 10 years, so let me know if you need better descriptions.

If you need it, it is:
2005
6 speed
46,000 miles
Hardly ever had a problem with it.
I am pretty good about following the recommended maintenance in the manual.

Thank you for offering to help. I have been reading some horror stories, so I am just trying to get some information to help me make smart decisions.

Alex (a female Alex :-))

gwilliams6

Hi Alex, there are sections in the new owners thread that relate to starting problems, here is the original thread location.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tro...t-here-222584/

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/

RX8 Club’s recommended maintenance schedule, more comprehensive and proactive than Mazda’s schedule.
30,000 miles:
- Replace Ignition coils
- Replace Plug wires
- Replace Spark plugs
- Clean MAF (mass air flow sensor)
- Clean ESS (e-shaft sensor)
- Reset ESS profile
- Clean power steering connections
- Clean battery terminals and clamps
- Replace transmission fluid
- Replace coolant (Mazda FL-22 is highly recommended)
- Replace air filter
- Replace brake fluid (fluid in the brake lines AND the clutch line)
~$300 USD in parts if you shop smartly.


every 60,000:
...all 30,000, plus...
- Clean all chassis electrical grounding points
- Replace accessory belts
- Clean OMP lines
- Replace rear differential fluid
- Replace thermostat
- Clean / Straighten AC condenser fins
- Clean / Straighten oil cooler fins
- Inspect catalytic converter
- Clean / Inspect intake valving
- Consider / inspect all points in 90,000+ as well, many items fail early
~$130 USD in parts if you shop smartly.

90,000:
...all 30,000, plus any 60,000 not yet done, plus...
- Replace coolant bottle
- Replace radiator hoses
- Replace radiator
- Replace front O2 sensor
- Replace motor mounts
- Inspect clutch pedal assembly for flex / weld breaks
~$900 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
At 100k, anything original in the cooling system is really suspect and failure prone. It represents the biggest threat to your engine.

05rx8_alex

Thank you so much!

This site can be overwhelming trying to find what you need, so this helps a lot!

When I get an estimate, I now have some background info to help me have a "somewhat" intelligent conversation about my car.

I really appreciate it.
Alex

gwilliams6

you are most welcome, Alex

xAgyex

05rx8_alex...this is exactly (Starting was a problem, stutters when taking off in 1st and second, and eventually got Check Engine Light(CEL)) the issue I had which was resolved by changing the coils...please check out my thread https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-multime...7/#post4574937

xAgyex

05rx8_alex, I live in Baltimore city, and have all the tools to help you replace your coils. I am 99% sure it is your coils, as I had the same issue and I just purchased new coils from Mazmart. Car start like new, and drives without stuttering. Just PM me and we can link up and we can do the work together. Set aside 3 hours, just so we can take it easy and not rush it. I also have a friend who owns a shop who will let us use his lift...ALL FOR FREE...Save your money.