Nother newbie
#1
Nother newbie
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.
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.
#2
Registered
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.
#3
Smoking turbo yay
Mazda remans are a good choice nowadays. High quality for a good price, and if you keep the car stock/don't do power mods, that's really all you need.
#4
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.
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.
#6
Registered
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.
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.
Last edited by CaymanRotary; 06-03-2019 at 02:56 PM.
#7
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.
#8
Registered
You can get a rotary compression tester here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/RCTV5-2-Maz...-/263457090217
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!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/RCTV5-2-Maz...-/263457090217
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!
#9
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.
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.
#10
Registered
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.
#11
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.
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.
#12
Registered
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.
#13
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 actually had 1 mechanic tell me the timing chain was probably wore out. I smiled and walked away...quickly!
#16
Starter question
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.
#17
Smoking turbo yay
4-port AT starters are different from 6-port MT starters. They are not interchangeable.
#19
Registered
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.
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