Hey everyone!
 

Hey Guys/ Gals,

Recently I bought my first 2004, Velocity Red, 6 speed Rx8 about two weeks ago. Since then I have changed the coils, plugs and wires. Swapped out the SSV solenoid, I had P0661 and P0076, cleaning the connections and checked the SSV, CEL solved! Other then the buoyancy problem with the coolant overflow and a TPMS light on, ( I think i have a few bad sensors not signaling) it seems to be mechanically sound.

I have done a lot of reading so far on this site, excellent source for information. :rock: Just wanted to introduce myself, I'm sure you will be seeing me around from time to time.

Thanks,

David

Welcome aboard

Welcome Dave, from another Dave! :) It's a wealth of information, just take everything in stride and you'll be fine here! :lol:

Didcha get a compression test done on the engine by chance? A rotary specific one! :)

Welcome !

What is the car's mileage, is it the original engine ,and yes what are your compression numbers ?

Thanks for the replies guys,

Despite, reading every precaution on this and other sites I haven't gotten one. . I got it for a VERY reasonable price from a private seller that lived out in the sticks. It runs really strong, starts quickly cold and fairly well hot. It may crank for another second or two when hot, but never has flooded or failed to start.

I actually called several Mazda dealers yesterday to get a quote on a compression test just to see what I am working with. I got three quotes, two for $210.00 and one for $165.00. Both seemed like they new that it was a rotary specific test. Is it really necessary to get one even though the engine is running fine?

It has 138,000 miles on it, the engine was a dealer replacement at 85,000. I have read that the dealer engines were nothing to write home about. I also read somewhere that Caterpillar was the one doing the rebuilds on the engines at the time?

The short answer: YES, it will give you a snapshot of what the health of your engine currently is.

A "dying" rotary can still start up and seem fine to the owner, even though it is on it's way out, the only way to be sure is to get the compression test to see what the compression scores actually are.

I understand, the quotes that I got, is that about average for a compression test?

Yes, 210 is high, 160 is better than what is usually quoted.

For a comp test? Mine was only $99 from a Mazda dealership, two years in a row..

^And that's the best I've ever heard of!

Many Mazda dealers charge $200+ for the compression test. Some less, some even more. The Mazda reman rotary engines (remanufactured) are built by Mazda in their facility in Virginia. Some parts are used and some parts are new (as needed) in these rebuilt engines.

You need that compression test. Rotaries can seem to run fine, even with low compression. Just the fact that you state it takes longer to crank and start when hot is a warning sign of possible low compression. I hope not, but you need to know for sure.

We all here wish you the best luck with your RX8, but your "bargain" can turn into an expensive project if your engine is failing .