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Hello everyone.
I recently bought my first RX8( not sure what I was thinking) It's an 04/AT. It's an awesome little car, but has high mileage and low compression. I plan on removing the engine and rebuiling or replacing it soon.
I have been reading the forums on this site for about six months. The amount of info and the advice given on this site is amazing.
I want to thank all of you for sharing your knowledge.
Us newbies need all of the help we can get.
Welcome to the club! Hopefully, the engine is the only thing wrong with it otherwise I doubt its worth trying to rebuild. You are already looking at throwing in $3000 - $5000 and that's only if the rotor housing and rotors are still in good shape. Honestly, its almost always a better idea to buy one that still has a functioning engine otherwise you might be in for some serious headaches and a far lighter wallet. Do you have a compression test sheet with data on your engine? Sometimes, it's just a weak ignition system which people mistake for being an engine problem. You could also try the Seafoam treatment as well if your compression numbers are low. Rebuilding your engine should always be a last resort.
Thanks,
I have not had a compression test done. Previous owner said she did, but couldn't find the paperwork. She said it failed. I think it would be a waste of money for me to have one done. She bought the car because she thought it was "cute", I doubt she had any idea of how to maintain it.
I bought the car as a project, fully expecting to rebuild or replace the engine.
I have replaced the battery, coils, plugs, wires, maf, and O2 sensors. Cleaned the throttlebody and ssv. It runs better, but will not start after it gets warm.
The body is nice, the interior is nice, it came with new tires. It runs great, just won't start when it's warm.
I paid $1,200.00. I'm ok with putting some money into it.
Thanks,
I have not had a compression test done. Previous owner said she did, but couldn't find the paperwork. She said it failed. I think it would be a waste of money for me to have one done. She bought the car because she thought it was "cute", I doubt she had any idea of how to maintain it.
I bought the car as a project, fully expecting to rebuild or replace the engine.
I have replaced the battery, coils, plugs, wires, maf, and O2 sensors. Cleaned the throttlebody and ssv. It runs better, but will not start after it gets warm.
That doesn't necessarily mean the engine is bad. You should still have the test done because its not as big a waste of money as replacing or rebuilding an engine that doesn't yet need it done. Your hot start issue could just be your starter if you haven't yet replaced it. I know for a fact that a new starter can solve most hot start issues. You already sank some money into it I'm sure and a compression test should only run $100 to $200 to get done. At the very least it will confirm if the engine is actually going out or not and could actually end up saving you thousands of dollars and a lot of time.
Last edited by CaymanRotary; 06-03-2019 at 02:56 PM.
I live in central Alabama. The closest place I have found to get a good comp test done is in Atlanta, Georgia. 3 hour drive. Im not sure if the starter has been replaced. I have the car lifted and will be removing it for inspection. I am removing the cat also. I found a receipt for a new cat in the glovebox. It was dated last summer. Done at a local garage. I still want to inspect it. I called that shop to ask if they would look at the car. They told me that they don't work on these cars. I'm thinking that they might not have replaced the cat.
It's $300 but its easy to test the car once you have it (save you the drive plus you can test the car whenever you like as well as offer a rotary compression test service). I would definitely look into making sure the cat is in good shape (midpipe always better to run anyways so you can premix!). Also, you can bolt the starter off and get it tested at Autozone or just go ahead and replace it. New starters are only $100 but try to find a 2KW starter if you are going to replace.
Sounds like you have more testing to do before we can even advise you any further. Good luck!
Thank you. I will look into buying a comp tester. Definitly sounds cheaper than a trip to Atlanta.
I haven't been able to determine which starter it is with it on the car. Once I remove it I will try to figure it out and have it tested. I have read on this site that upgrading the starter will help with the "warm start" Issue, but it's only a bandaid. I am planing on a new starter as part of the rebuild/replace.
That's what I mean, you will need to compression test the engine to know 100% for sure it has major problems. Like you said, it could just be a failing starter or a clogged cat. Both of these can cause hot start issues and dont necessarily mean the engine is done. It's definitely possible compression is low but you can still drive the car regardless with no issue for some time. I'd still toss in the old spark plugs and do a seafoam treatment as well just for the hell of it.
I have already done a seafoam cleaning. Smoked like hell afterwards. Replaced the plugs and wires after the cleaning.
I read a lot. I understand that a comp test is highly important to determine the state of the engine. I hadn't considered buying a tester before, but definitely will now.
Thank you.
Ahhh great stuff that Seafoam is! Sounds like you got everything you need to go forward. How awesome would it be if theres actually nothing wrong with the engine and you can put the money into upgrades instead of having to rebuild the engine.
It would be great, but I'm not getting too Overoptamistic. If it turns out to be the starter, or cat or timing chain, or some other gremlin, I will be thrilled.
I actually had 1 mechanic tell me the timing chain was probably wore out. I smiled and walked away...quickly!
I pulled the starter of my 8 today. I am going to have it tested. The I'd tag on the starter is worn out and I can't figure out which starter I have. I have done several searches on identifing starters and I have read many different posts. Everything I see refers to starters with 11, 13, or 14 teeth. I marked 1 tooth and turned the gear. I counted 18 teeth on this starter. I cannot find any info on starters with 18 teeth. I am a newbie and I am confused.
I have an 04 with an automatic transmission. I removed the starter for inspection and testing. I am not trying to replace it now. I a just trying to identify it.
I have an 04 with an automatic transmission. I removed the starter for inspection and testing. I am not trying to replace it now. I a just trying to identify it.
N3H2-18-400B closest I could find but it would work. My opinion based on the photos alone, replace it with this. You'll be on cloud 9 when you put it in... giggity.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mazda-RX8-Starter-Motor-Assembly-N3H218400B-OEM-04-05-06-07-08-2004-2005-2008/362420370845?hash=item5461effd9d:g:kXwAAOSwh49bfvz f
Last edited by CaymanRotary; 06-06-2019 at 11:31 PM.
06-02-2019, 06:36 PM
