chrboyles

Hi, I just got my RX8 a couple of months ago. I'm in the process of buying it off my mom and I have no idea what kind of maintenance she has had on it.

She said she took good care of it but I'm worried it has a few problems. The check engine light and coolant light are on. If I drive it very hard by redlining it it floods and shuts off when I hit a complete stop and I have to go through the process of de-flooding it. Does anyone know what is causing this?

I really like the car though, and I'm fascinated with the rotary engine. I just want to learn how to change things and better take care of it. I'm taking it to the mazda dealership sometime next week for an oil change and a complete check-up.

Ajax

1. You shouldn't be redlining a car that has low coolant.
2. You shouldn't be redlining a car that has a check engine light on.
3. If the car is shutting off completely after coming to a stop when you red line it, it's probably overheating.

Williard

iTrader: (18)

CHRBOYLES,

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

That will answer the majority of your questions.

The motor constantly flooding could be the engine giving you a hint that it's going downhill.

It could also be bad ignition, slow starter etc.. There are many factors that come into play there.

Are you having any other issue's? Are you throwing any codes?

Also you can google this issue and come up with MANY threads from the forum.


AND everything that Ajax said.
When/If you google it just put, RX8CLUB flooding, You will see a lot of the threads that are covering this issue.

chrboyles

THANKS Ajax and Willard. I'm not sure what the problem is just yet and I'm sad to admit I don't know a lot of what I'm dealing with on the RX8 :/ but I'm willing to put time and effort and money into working on this car.

After reading the "NEW and Potential Owners Post" I've concluded that I need to have the cooling system checked, and I'm almost certain I need to look into a new battery along with coils, plug wires, and plugs.

Any thoughts/experience with modifying the cooling system with Remedy waterpump and thermostats, BHR ignigition upgrades, COBB access PORT, and removing the cat for a midpipe?

Williard

iTrader: (18)

I've heard a lot of good things about the REmedy water pump and T-stat however i do not have them yet. I do have the BHR ignition upgrade, it's well worth the cost i will say that much. Swapping out the stock CAT with a mid pipe is very simple and IMO it's worth it.

When you remove the CAT im assuming your going to be using a CATLESS midpipe. It will effect your MPG slightly but it will also open up a little more power.

Do you know which starter you have?

Welcome to the forum btw.

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, get your coolant system checked.
The coolant light is sometimes a faulty sensor in the tank.
A good flush & some fresh coolant might help, & if they find nothing wrong with it, then it most likely needs a new coolant tank.

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

Be leery of anything the dealer tells you. Get a compression check for sure, & get everything in writing.
2 sets of 3 numbers for each of the rotors' faces.
I personally wouldn't let them do anything but the oil change at first, maybe a coolant flush, & check back here with your results.
You will probably find more knowledgeable people here than at a dealer.

moliver

iTrader: (1)

Where abouts in IL are you....there are a few independent shops that could help....

chrboyles

I don't know which starter I have. I need to figure that out :/ I'm a beginner to almost everything automotive related. I'm 19 and the car I had before was a '97 Concorde. I'm aware that an RX8 is for experienced drivers. I have a lot of research to do and I figured this forum would be a great place to get information. Thanks for the welcome!

chrboyles

I am close to the East St. Louis area in Illinois.