We recently purchased a beautiful 2006 RX-8 for my daughter at an auction. Immaculate condition, white ext, the interior is black leather with red detailing, all the bells and whistles. We paid $3000 CDN. It ran awesome on the ride home. When we started it up again, it would idle and then start sputtering and wanting to stall. next day, started right up , but as soon as it started to warm up, again didnt want to idle, back fired too! Changed the plugs and wires as the old ones were fouled. Ran great! Shut it off, again, turns over, won't start. We have decided to sell it either as is or fix it if its not going to cost an arm and a leg. My daughter went from a young lady grinning ear to ear to a sad girl who looks like she lost her best friend.

 

These are classic symptoms of a failing engine. You need a rotary-specific compression test to verify this.

 

Also note that the ignition coils are wearable items on this car and should be changed with the plugs and wires.

A rotary compression test will tell you if there is any life in the engine and inform you as to whether to spend any more money fixing the car.

 

Before you part with it, there are many things you can try that don't cost anything or are relatively inexpensive.

Especially if your daughter fell in love with it, it would be worth it to wait and do some basic trouble shooting.

There are plenty of simple things that can cause our 8s to run bad, and plenty of info and help available here from knowledgeable members.

Did you have any CELs?
You should have the OBD scanned if possible.
Your plugs were fouled, like Steve Dallas said, the coils have probably failed.
They can be tested and can be replaced individually.
They are a leading cause of common problems.
The catalytic converter can be clogged because of this, but it can easily be gutted.

There are many other things we can recommend that you can try.
Don't give up too easily!

 

Also, they flood easily if anything (like bad coils) is weak.
Be sure your battery terminals are clean and tight, and that the battery is good and has a full charge.

 

Do you have any friends that are mechanically inclined or handy with vehicles? No disrespect, it's just that most women do not and unless you no know someone that could/will help you out, paying someone else to diagnose/fix it will cost an arm and a leg. That's just the honest truth.

 

I wouldn't give up on it , it actually sounds like the main issue isn't low compression . It could be a contributing factor but these engines run surprisingly well with low compresssion so long as everything else is in good order and you can get it to start .
Sounds to me like there is another issue :
If the engine sounds like it is turning over slowly . This is the first thing to fix . Check my video here :https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tro...ck-out-207244/
If starter is good try the Mazda deflood procedure to get it going,
then .......

I would look at replacing the coils first up . Note they can be tested quite easily like this : or with a coil tester.

 

That's a great way to check to see which coil is working properly! Best part is that its free.

Francine Byron, I would also get the engine compression tested and before condemning it to a rebuild or replacement, I would first see if you can decarbonize the engine. I use a generous amount of product called Marvel Mystery Oil in each rotor housing and allow it to soak about a month, turning the engine over daily. I have brought many of weaker engines back from doing this. Note however, that this will only work if the issue is carbon buildup. Engine with a collapsed apex seal spring(s), worn apex seal(s) or side seals or grooved or flaking housings will not be brought back using that method.

Would love to see pics of the car if you have time to post them!

 

What the ****.

OP, I will warn you that these cars can be fussy. However, once you get to know them, you'll know what they need. Don't give up on it! Get the service manual (Google for rotaryheads rx8 service manual) and start working down the "won't start" troubleshooting checklist.

 

It would be nice if she acknowledged the replies.

 

99 percent of mother/ daughter combinations won't have a clue on what to do and will just give up. Get in the real world.

Once again, 99 percent of women feel like they get ripped off at the mechanic because they simply don't know vehicles.

Then throw in the fact it's a Rotary and all this gets even more complicated for them.

 

Your reality might not be applicable in this thread. So far, they're doing better than many male noobs we get through here. They've diagnosed the situation, replaced ignition components, logically, and came here looking for further advice. You can help or you can condescend, your choice.

It would be good to hear back from the OP though.

 

Okay, thats 2 people now. Maybe I am wrong. I do wish them the best of luck though.

 

OP (Francie Byron)

There are folks here to help, you kind of need to respond. If the issues has past, I can close the thread.

 

I talked to her on the phone on Sat afternoon. She has a plan and will see how it goes

 

Dannobre,

Awesome. Kind of wish I had thought of that....

 

She is kinda local...so it's easier that way 😁

 

I gave her contact info to a Great Rotary Mechanic. Hopefully they get in touch. Cheers