I have an 04 rx-8 with a bad motor
this is the 2nd motor as mazda warranty did replace the original,
(with a bigger piece of crap)
that only ran 20,000 before I knew it had low compression issues.
Unfortunately, I had to drive the car until it quit.
it sputtered and had no power, still starts. Could possibly be the fuel tank, however,
I know that it has low compression as well and needs rebuilt or replaced.

I am living in Phoenix area now, I would love some advice on shops, replacement motors, better year motors, rebuild/buy bebuilt, swaps etc........

 

If it still starts well... both cold and hot...I would go looking for another issue

There are lots of things that go wrong on 10+ year old cars that aren't motors so you need someone to have a look at it

 

I can't post links from my phone, but check out the "starting issues, START HERE" thread, found in the troubleshooting subforum.

 

How do you know it has low compression? Have you had it tested?

It could be a host of other things.

 

If you are not real familiar with the maintenance requirements and related issues of our cars, I would suggest you look in your regional forums and try to find a member near you.
Many of us would gladly try to help out for nominal compensation, like a pizza and a six pack.

 

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

Starting the Engine
• Starter
• Battery
• Engine Compression
• Grounding Wires
• Ignition Coils
• Spark Plugs
• Spark Plug Wires
• Fuel Pump
• Fuel Injectors

Generating Power at Full Throttle
• Ignition Coils
• Spark Plugs
• Spark Plug Wires
• Engine Compression
• E-Shaft Sensor (ESS)
• Air Filter
• Intake Valving
• Throttle Body
• Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF)
• Fuel Pump
• Fuel Injectors
• Catalytic Converter (Cat)

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.

 

Wait. How can a woman be a hoochie and a damsel at the same time? Aren't those mutually exclusive?!

 

yes, i did have it tested. how ever could not afford to have it replaced, (again) plus I have heard that the motor may have never needed replaced in the first place.....
and the name Hoochie is an old family joke, but this site wont let me change it.....

 

Welcome.

And, things to start with, before spending big bucks, are in the congrats thread in my signature. Those may help you limp along. When I finally rebuilt mine, I only had one face pass, and 2 were in the low 60s. And, post compression results here to let folks see.

 

If your second engine is going very quick. Then I'd guess your first engine died from a Bad cat and it did nto get replaced. Have it checked out. You can do it in about 30 min if you're into working on your car. If not go to a cheap muffler shop. They'll probably drop it and let you look for 20-30 bucks. it's just 3 bolts. If it's all clogged then it's your problem. if it's a nice honeycomb then it's good.

Take a look at some examples herehttps://www.rx8club.com/series-ii-te...2/#post4634516

 

And or oil injector jets, lines etc. not being checked and having problems.