Hey all,

Bought my 2nd RX8 yesterday & am very excited to drive it! I did have one years back but the previous didn’t look after it so it died after a few weeks 😩
This one though, seems to be well looked after, compression tests, proper oil maintenance, tyres etc. Does scare me to read all the issues that can go wrong though! Fingers crossed with proper maintenance it will be ok!

 

... fool me twice, shame on me ...
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Welcome to the forum!! Would love to see pictures of the car!

What were the compression test results? You know going into RX-8 ownership, its a risk and all good things come to an end. Meaning, set aside money for an engine down the road if you intend to keep the car. I mean who knows how long it will last. It could last another 10 years. Its just best to be prepared is all.

 

Yeah....fool me twice but I can’t help loving the looks & performance of the RX8.
I will keep money aside as I intend to keep it, I do want new alloys for it but that’s not a must so can wait. I will take some pictures later & add them on, the interior has been done so it’s black & red leather which I love! I think that’s what sold it for me.
The engine light stays on when the car is on but previous owner said it’s due to the secondary air pump & that my little device I’ve got that I plug in under the steering wheel, I can switch this off...is that correct?

I have got compression test results in the 700’s but without me going out to get the paperwork I can’t say exact figures but I believe this is good?
Sorry probably sound like a right plum not knowing loads about cars...I will do some reading & researching though so my knowledge is good with the RX8. 😊👍🏻 Any advice or help is greatly appreciated though. Thank you 😊

 

As long as you got the tests done before purchase you should be fine. Make sure ignition and cooling systems are always working in tip top shape. Get an OBD2 scan tool to keep on top of temperatures and engine codes. Change oil every 3000 miles and check it every second time you fill the tank as you occasionally need to add more.

I've not had any engine issues in any of the 5 I've owned. Even the ones I sold all still on the road driving happily. It's not a difficult car to maintain, it's just a bit different. Good luck! May your Doritos keep spinning.

 

Thanks for all your advice 😊 it is much appreciated. Would topping up the oil be with the premix or normal? As I’ve got both.
Currently have the engine light on (static not flashing) as previous owner removed the secondary air pump, is that a common thing to do? Think I’ve really got to make sure I know all I can about these cars!
I’ve got an OBD2 device...the you plug in under the steering right? He said if I use that I can turn the engine light off as that’s the only reason it’s on. From the last MOT which funnily enough was done on my birthday (I took that as a sign that this was the RX8 for me...fate & all that) there was one advisory no other issues & the tests were all spot on. I will upload pictures soon when I’m not working & can actually get outside & drive it! I’ve got to get used to the high revs etc all over again lol! My previous car was a sensible Honda Civic 1.8 😂

 

You top off the engine oil with engine oil. Premix is for mixing in with the gasoline. They are two separate types of oil.

For me, its not normal to remove the secondary air pump. Does the car have a mid pipe? You need to scan the ecu and find what codes are stored.stor't just concentrate on the current codes,, but also look at the history and pending codes if any. See if you can detect a pattern or see what's been going on with the car.

 

Ok so when did I need to add the premix in & how often?
I’ve read on other forums that if you changed the exhaust system then you can remove the secondary air pump. The only code that came up was for the secondary air pump when using my device.

 

pour 8oz of premix in the gas tank when you fill up. if you remove the cat from the exhaust system you can remove the air pump but you will need a block off plate to cover the hole. racing beat is what i used

 

I believe this is what the previous owner did...hence he had flames from the exhaust lol.
so I put the premix in every single time I fill up the petrol? And 8oz? Sorry I don’t measure in ounces....can I put this in once I get home not at the Petrol station when filling up?

 

yhea you could add the premix when you get home but it seems like a waste of time to not just do it when filling up since you already have the gas cap off. you dont need to premix at all but a lot of people do, is it necessary for every fill up no (unless you deleted the omp) but its your choice

 

Put around 200-240ML of 2 stroke premix into the gas tank BEFORE FILLING UP. This way it is a diluted mixture.

You must check your oil constantly if you plan on utilizing the 10k redline, you will need to add oil AT LEAST before or at the 2nd fill up. Check the dipstick before doing so, do not fill your oil to the top marker.

The secondary air pump check engine light will never go away unless it is re installed.

You will not pass any inspection without a catalytic converter and the check engine light will never go away unless it is re installed.

Yes you can clear the codes with your obd2 reader but unless you fix the problem, it will always be there.

You can take a picture of your engine bay and underneath your car so anyone here can tell you if you have a gutted/toasted cat or if you air pump is removed

Catalytic converter = no flames

 

ive seen 8s with cats pop flames many times, its just not as exciting as a de cat flames

 

I had some premix left from previous owner and filled up yesterday but haven’t added it yet, bought some more yesterday & a funnel so will add some today or tomorrow as it’s hard trying to put it in without some kind of funnel.
I’ll try my best to take a picture of the underside of my engine bay but without putting it up high...
I will also look at oil levels before taking her out this afternoon.