hey guys im running into some issues with my 04 rx8 with 160k (first engine)..i only put 10k miles on the rebuilt engine, it has been running fine until one day it took its time to start her up cold or warm.. 2-3s cold and warn 3-4s..went to do a compression test at the shop (different shop) and it read 83-84 front and back 82..using the gauge and mazda's minimum is 99..it is making me think that the guy who rebuilt my engine have reused the seals? they told me that i should do it at the dealer 'cause it tells you specifically if the apex seals are bad etc..anyways i have a misfire and crank sensor not working..i took it to the shop and the mechanic said he is 99% sure that one of the injectors are either clogged or blown 'cause we took it for a ride and we both can hear a noise kinda going like grrrrrr in higher rpms id say in between 7k to 8.5k and also the engine kinda struggles at 85mph and then goes back to normal..can go up to 100mph+ with no problem but with one of the injectors been clugged or blown is not good and the past week on my way home the car turned off on me at a red light..it happened to me twice..i could start her back up and keep driving..i can redline it on 1st and 2nd with no problem but then on 3rd 4th etc..takes its time to reach the redline..ive changed wires/plugs.coils a month ago..this is not my daily driver..any help would be appreciated thanks

 

I would start by cleaning or replacing the eccentric shaft sensor that isn't working.

 

Holy cow, I just read all that as if it were a run on sentence

Who did your rebuild, if I may ask? Are they a respected rotary shop?

The shop that did your compression test, did they use a rotary specific compression tester? Also, what were the cranking rpms and engine temp during the test?

Potentially silly question... when you bought new coils/plugs/wires, did you get them (new) from a reputable dealer/location?

 

Wow, yeah... I def missed that his Crank sensor is malfunctioning... that input is *mildly* important for engine functions... lol

 

thanks for your response..they told me that the crank sensor rarely goes bad on this cars, are they right about that? would it be ok if i get it from auto parts?


A guy named steven in orlando from guyana..a friend of mine who used to own a 3rd gen rx7 recommended him to me..he said that he doesnt let anybody to touch my friend's car so i took his words for it. The guy who did the compression test used a compression gauge tester..not a rotary specific one..you got me on that question..i dont remember..if i tell u i would be lying..i got the new wires from napa and new coils+plugs from auto parts..i heard that most of the builders reuse the seals so that got me a little bit worried..im so stupid that i didnt ask him for a receipt so i cant go back to him for warranty work plus i moved and im 3hrs away from the shop :/

 

Well... if you had the rebuild done by a random guy from Guyana then you're not gunna get a warranty anyway call him up and ask about the seals and clearances he used. I hate to say it, but you REALLY can't expect top notch work when you pay for a budget garage build from a random guy...

Using a non-rotary tester is really just good for checking to be sure you're even across the faces and from one rotor to another. Take your car to Mazda to have a compression test run. Honestly I think your problem is something other than ghe engine though...

Coils on these cars are known to be crap, rotaries will also foul out plugs and once fouled you might as well bin them (you can clean them and keep using 'em, but once it's fouled it'll never be quite right again)...

My advice: 1) STOP taking your car to non-rotary specific mechanics 2) shell out the cash to get a set of GOOD coils from Black Halo Racing (BHR, username "Charles R. Hill" on here) 3) get new plugs specifically for the rx-8 (they're about $20 per plug, but they work better than the $3-$5 autolite crap at the local Advanced) 4) Mazda Rotary specific compression tester from a dealership.

Look into Pettit Racing for future work.. traveling 3+ hours for a good rotary shop is worth the driving time!!

 

Oh... look into getting your OEM parts from either RockAuto Parts Catalog or "Mazda Parts" | Mazda Accessories

 

well i did try to call him but he seems like doesnt want to pick up the phone although he did tell me what apex seals he used but i totally forgot..i think he said upgrade seals im not too sure..the plugs that i bought are $20 each..they are ngks..im going to try those coils..i heard that the ls1 coils are also good is that correct? im going to get a compression test at the dealer and then i will go to pettit racing thanks for letting me know..oh and btw i made a video just now..i didnt get it to last a little bit longer when starting her up on warm..ive tried like 4 times and it doesnt want to last longer..sometimes it takes 3-4s longer than on the video on warm..

 

anybody

 

"upgraded apex seals" is not a good sign. OEM are better than any other seal for the Renesis for naturally aspirated (not turbocharged or supercharged, though most of those builds the OEM is still best)

The video shows clear struggling on the warm start. I'd guess a botched / subpar rebuild.

 

Random thought... You've got 10,000 miles on this engine, and it isn't your daily... How many years has it been since it was rebuilt?

Honestly it sounds like you've got a number of issues going on with your car and any one of them could really have contributed to your issues.

 

You did wires, plugs and coils...

Have you done E-shaft sensor yet? Just pull the air box and spray it with half a can of brake cleaner.

If it were me, or one of the family cars:
Fuel treatment, Injector cleaner, odd weather down here, might have some crap in the gas/injectors. Fresh tank of great gas would not hurt either. Air Filter?

If still around Orlando, I might be able to help. Sorry. Where did you move to?

 

last year on november..well having one of the injectors not working properly and there are a bunch of things that i havent done for the car..i mean maintenance wise..just plugs/coils/wires and oil changes

nope not yet..im not sure whether to do a compression test from the dealership 1st or get a new e shaft sensor and replace it..i highly doubt it will do a darn thing..but i could be wrong and i dont premix..i have to start doing it
i live in hollywood, fl..3hrs away from orlando..wish i knew anybody from this area