Hi,

I read a couple of threads about hot start problem. I wonder if any more experienced owner can confirm or provide more information to this.

My problems with hot-starting started like 3 months ago. First I thought the problem is low compresion, the engine has 118k km (approx. 74k miles), so I thought I am screwed up with no other option than doing rebuild.

I came to the Mazda dealership to do the compression test and it came out OK.

The values are:
Rotor 1: 732/749/766 KPa @ 218 rpm
Rotor 2: 775/780/766 KPa @ 216 rpm

34.6 KPa max. rotor 1 - min. rotor 1
13.8 KPa max. rotor 1 - max. rotor 1
13.8 KPa max. rotor 2 - min. rotor 2

My RX-8 is 2004, 6speed MT, stronger engine, European version if that matters some.

From what I read, the problem may be solved with new starter. They replaced the spark-plugs, thay were carbonised or something, but the problem persists. As far as I know, the starter is still the original one, so I think (hope) it is the merit of the problem - that it is too worn-out to generate enough rpm?

Are the values of compression test poor/good/fine/superb? The guys in Mazda told me these are next to ideal numbers.

Where should I start with solving my problem? It is quite annoying to kill the engine, return to car and have to wait for up to an hour to start it again. Once I got stuck for 15 minutes in the busy crossroad after killing the engine incidentally, not a pleasant experience at all :-o

Any suggestion well appreciated.

Thank you,
Peter

 

If you like you can check your values here.
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...2/#post4533734

Never heard of a stronger European model engine.

The starter from the SII models is a direct fit in the SI models and is by far a way better/quicker starter motor. IMO

When is the last time you changed the Coils?
I would start with that ... but the upgraded starter is awesome.

 

Like wcs said, if those are your compression numbers then its either the ignition or the starter.

I would buy both at the same time because your starter is super slow and it never hurts to change your coils.

 

Sorry for the confusion, I meant it is purchased in Europe, I am not sure if it is the same as in the America. Stronger engine, I meant the one with more HP. I just wanted to be detailed with description in case it made some difference.


I changed the coils in 2014 I think. I will double-check with the service. But if 2014 it is, I think it is quite OK?

Guys, what starter exactly is this SII? Does it have the part nr or something? I will ask the dealership here if they have it and how much it costs.

Appreciate your help!

 

Ooh, I get it. You mean to say you have an EUDM 6 port 6mt.

If you could are that new your right in thinking they're probably fine, unless you've put like 50k miles on it since then. Here's a link to a pretty detailed starter change thread.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-...ummies-189410/

 

Guys,

thank you for your advice. I am looking into option to change the starter. The original Mazda version with better rpm performance costs here 400 USD. Should I go for it or should I try to buy somewhere some cheaper one?

I don't want to spare a couple of dollars at the expense of quality, but at the same time I don't want to overpay too much.

Anything you would recommend that is reliable (direct link)?

 

Try to get a cheaper one. Maybe there is a working one on a wrecked RX8 SII?
It's just a starter, it can't break anything but itself, and even that rarely happens.