Anyone in Colorado who works on Rx8's?
 

Looking for someone who actually knows the RX8 and can work on them at a reasonable cost. I spoke to a service person at the local ,Mazda dealer and they kind of seem clueless. I don't need (can't afford) to rack up dealer costs as they try to figure out how to fix things.

Most of the dealers here seem oblivious to the rotary engine. Who can blame? It has been many years since Mazda last offered one for sale in a vehicle and even when they were current production, dealerships would usually have a single rotary certified technician and nothing more. Our market is also further challenged as the rotary engine isn't nearly as popular as it is in So-Cal and Florida/Puerto Rico, further obfuscating the knowledge and options for skilled individuals/shops. When I was in Florida, we had some well-informed mechanics at the local Mazda dealer, in addition to a good measure of machinists and tuners that were familiar with them to varying extents.

Where in CO are you located? I do side-work on rotaries, as time allows. If you are near The Springs, I may be an option.

I'm actually nearby in Fountain. My first issue is the heat controller circuit board. As per a link from Big C, there is repair for it. It always blows hot no matter where you turn the temp dial so I have no AC or at least I can't feel cold air because the control is stuck in the heat position. I can feel the compressor kick on when I turn the AC on. As I have 26k miles on the rx which I just bought, I'm looking for someone who can do the plugs, coils etc when I hit 30k. Where in the Springs are you?

Sent you a PM with more info and a few questions. :)

New to the forum. Not sure where to go for a pm. Looked around site. Can you point me where to look.

Found it. Says I have a message it when I hit it no message appears, just looks like I can send a message.

Ok, I'm good. Sending a response.

Soon to be RX8 Owner
 

I'm also looking for someone who could help me out, gonna buy an 05 RX8 from someone i know personally and I trust her, the current problems with it are a few sensors and also it needs a new ECU, I live in the Denver/Westminster area but willing to travel, just looking for some advice and hopefully some good prices on parts/labor also someone with experience because from what I hear, Mazda dealerships aren't very familiar with rotary anymore, understandably.

listen noobs, working on a rotary is no different than any other car unless you want the engine rebuilt or need a rotary compression test (should always be done before buying). as far as a rebuild its cheaper to get a reman from mazda and even then its just a simple engine swap. yes it has a few quirks but its east to wrench on and anything you could ever need to know is on this forum. good luck

Tis true, while some of the diagnostics can differ slightly, the overall operation of external systems is the same. It isn't so much that they are more complex than a piston engine as much as they are just different and often people aren't willing to consider thinking outside the norm in their diagnostic process as I've seen at several shops dipping their toes in the rotary pool for the first time.

plus theres lots of room to work in the engine bay. more so if you ditch the crap you dont need in there

I would advise anyone who owns an 8 to start learning basic maintenance procedures.
Unless you live somewhere where working on a car isn't an option, or are physically unable to.
The routine things are easy, you don't need too many tools, and the savings from the first time you change your ignition components will pay for them.
Like 200 said, everything you need to know is in this forum, and plenty of help and advice is available.
Just make an effort.

Sounds great unless you have a reason you can't do it yourself. In my case, I am an old geezer and have a few physical issues. I always worked on my cars back in the 60',s and 70's. I can no longer do it. What is great about this site is I can still learn. Once I have the knowledge, it helps me determine if a mechanic knows his stuff. Like the Mazda dealer for example. The service guy I spoke to seemed clueless. Thus the reason for this post. And it paid off as I met Kris who is not too far from me.

Why do you need a new ECU?

Pretty much the only 2 reasons I can think of for an ECU to go bad are...

1. They tried to tune their car, messed up the software and bricked it

2. Electrical issues, mainly from trying to jump start and hooking the wires up backwards.

Apologies for the late response but I'm not sure to be honest. As far as i know, recently she had to have the engine replaced, the original being at 116k and the swap being at about 10k miles so i figured it would probably have something to do with that, or could've been caused by previous owner if its either of those 2 reasons you mentioned. Thanks for the help and for not being a dick about it, I'm still learning and haven't bought it yet, not gonna until I'm at least educated in the more important areas, gonna learn the rest hands on.

I wanted to publicly thank Kris (furansu) for meeting with me to take a look at my 8 even though he is in the middle of moving and installing a new engine in his 8. Kris is a really nice guy. We met at a post office and right in the parking lot he fixed my AC . The blend actuator door was stuck. I am glad it wasn't the temperature control circuit board which would have been a much bigger fix. FYI to rep!ace it with a new part (which I wouldn't do) from Mazda was $550 for the part and there is only one in North America left from Canada. I would have had Kris do the soldering repair that is referenced on this forum.

Kris also adjusted my clutch and disconnected my aftermarket alarm which was draining my battery. Thanks again Kris.

You're very welcome Pete -- it's a great example of an RX-8 that you have -- has me excited to finish mine up and get through the new engine break-in period.

When we are ready for round-two, we'll perform a compression test, refresh your ignition, and maybe do a visual inspection of the purge solenoid, APV drive, and your catalytic converter. Most of the common causes of power loss are unlikely due to the extremely low mileage of the car. Carbon build up in the seal pockets and APV bores could still be a factor if the car was frequent to short drive cycles (short distance, low-load trips) before your ownership. I forgot to ask before, but what is your fuel economy like with the car?

Hey Kris, thanks again for looking at my car. It was a pleasure to meet you.
Funny you should ask about the mpg. I just did my calculations. When we met, the car was being driven hard. Several redlines and several 0 - 60 tests. That tank of gas was just under 15 mpg. Took it for a long ride yesterday driving easy to moderate both city/hwy. Filled it this morning and got 22 mpg.

Check your email. I sent you more info on the a.c. issue.

Weird cooling issue
 

Can anyone help me out with a weird cooling issue I'm having? Intermittently I have some cooling issues, the temp starts to climb, fans are running. Then as fast as it stops working, it starts cooling again and the temp goes back to normal. I can't determine what causes it when it happens, but I does happen more when it's hot out. When the temp starts climbing, the A/C acts up at the same time. So the a/c stops blowing cold air. When it starts cooling again the a/c starts blowing cold again. I had the radiator replaced last year as a mechanic diagnosed that as the issue, but I had the issue Monday morning, it's not even hot. I've never experienced such an intermittent cooling issue before.

^ Start a new thread in the New Member section with your specific issue.

At first blush, it sounds like you may have an intermittently failing thermostat and/or air in your cooling system.

Thanks Steve, I posted it on the newbie forum, got a second opinion about the thermostat, going to replace it and go from there.

I really appreciate your reply, Thank You!