JnC

Hi, guys, I sold my AP1 s2k a few years ago (mistake, I know) I had been itching to get another project and as luck would have it this thing popped up on the local CL. I do have an 08 Acura TL-S 6 speed that serves the roll of a garage queen but I needed something to get my hands dirty again.

Its an 07 RX-8 with 60k miles. I havent done any investigative work on the motor just yet but I was told by the previous owner that the engine died on him and he had it towed to a local shop. The shop said its an engine failure and it either needs to be replaced or rebuilt.

2007 RX-8
One owner
No modifications
Base model
6 speed

At this point I am trying to get all my ducks in order before I start taking the motor out. I will be doing more digging on the forum to get pointers as to where to start, any help or direction would be greatly appreciated. My current plan, if the motor indeed is dead, is to pull it out, take off everything down to the bare block and then either try to rebuild it myself or bring it to a shop that knows/works on these engines. Apparently there is one down in NJ, another on in New England (with not so rave reviews) etc.

Here are some pictures of the AP1 and the RX-8

huebie

If you REALLY want to wrench and work on a car, then there's no other place than an RX8 or old German luxury lol. I think you're already fully aware, but the cost of the car isn't the problem, it's the part swaps and time dedication that really eats your money (and gas if you daily drive it like me). Just make sure this isn't a stretch purchase and you're set if you love to work on automobiles!

Also gorgeous paint on the RX8 and that S2000 really is marvelous. Cheers!

JnC

Well this video has given me hope, I plan on testing the fuel system this week and/or trying to start it with starter fluid to see if fuel delivery is an issue with mine as the symptoms are pretty much identical to the one shown in the video.

JnC

Well, no such luck here. The line is pressurized, fuel pump is working and the engine is getting fuel. Here is a short video of me trying to crank it over.

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Have you tried deflooding it? There's a simple procedure you can google, and if it wasn't flooded before the failed start attempts, it's definitely flooded now. Have you tested the ignition coils or know their history? Have you caught up at rx8help.com?

Knowing exactly how it died on the previous owner would be helpful. It doesn't sound particularly bad, starter might be a bit slow but that's not by itself an engine killer. Without further info I think it's just flooded, perhaps the previous owner started it and turned it back off immediately, and the ignition isn't the best condition.

If the shop that saw it isn't a rotary shop, their opinion doesn't mean anything. It could need a rebuild, but unless they have compression test results to demonstrate that, its' just an opinion and plenty of other things could be the culprit. You should get your own compression test to confirm where you stand.

Definitely do not rebuild it yourself, or rebuild your own engine if it comes to that, unless you want to do it again next year. Buy a ready rebuild from Mazda or a rotary rebuilder.

JnC

^^ Thank you for the suggestions.

I spoke to Tulley Mazda today and they have a guy named Many there, a few other folks have mentioned him as well, he has been a Mazda tech for 20 years. The service tech was very nice and went over a few things with me and suggested the same thing that most shops have no idea how these motors work and how to diagnose the motor. The previous owner didnt have any paperwork or info on why the last shop deemed it a engine failure, my understanding is the same as the tech's that the last shop did not properly diagnose the issue and found the exact reason why the engine has failed.

I will get on RX8help right away as I am still learning this motor.

I have done a few regular engine swaps and rebuilds (mostly Hondas and Toyotas) this would be my first venture into the rotary engine world so yes I do have my apprehensions towards the idea of rebuilding the motor myself but thats par for course. I will keep this thread posted on each step as I go along.

For now I am looking to buy the rotary compression tool, lets see how that goes as the seller online is out of stock at the moment.