Rogerr

Hi Guys, just bought an RX8 that has been stored in a shed for over 5 years, I've been assured it was running fine when it was laid up.
just looking for any advice on what I should be doing before firing it up for the first time.
I'm gonna drain the petrol and put some fresh stuff in, change the oil I thought,
What I was wondering was would it be worth taking the plugs out and squirting some 2 stroke oil in there to maybe prevent wearing the rotor tips if the engine is dry as a bone?

CaymanRotary

5 years just sitting is going to be very bad for it. Yes, change oil, gas and definitely try to manually crank the engine over. You want to make sure it isnt seized. You could put 2 stoke in through the spark plug hole but not a lot. Just enough to put some oil is in there. You'll want to check electrics. Make sure fuses and everything is good. Make sure fuel pump primes and everything works as it should before firing it up. Ignition system should be checked (ignition coils, wires and spark plugs) then give it a shot.

Have my doubts it will run but always worth a shot at least.

Rogerr

Thanks for the info, fingers crossed it will start as the body is in good shape, when you say crank over manually, can this be done easily or is there a bit of stripping involved to get access, I'm guessing a socket on the main pulley?

CaymanRotary

Precisely, You don't want to burn the starter motor out on an engine that is seized up a bit. Give it a couple spins just to make sure everything moves freely. Make sure 2 stroke oil is in the chamber before you do this to prevent additional wear on the engine. If it does end up starting and running, ensure that a compression test is done to verify the engine is still usable. 5 years is a long time to sit and it can cause compression loss.

Rogerr

Thanks for your advice, I will give it a go and let you know how I get on.

Rogerr

Took a while but got it running,
I emptied the tank (or should I say tanks) and put fresh stuff in with some 2 stroke, changed the oil, squirted some 2 stroke in each plug hole and tried turning it over manually and it turned over fine, I checked all the coils were sparking and tried starting it after that, but no sign of life what so ever.
After looking for RX8 common faults on line i checked the SSV and found it was stuck solid, took a while to get it out but managed and gave it a good clean up, refitted it along with a replacement switch, the existing one had been bypassed, With new coolant and thermostat fitted I tried again to start it, not a hope but I did smell fuel from the exhaust so decided to gamble on replacing the coils, ignition leads and plugs, when changing the plugs I had fuel come out from the front trailing plug hole so gave the flooding procedure a go.
It started on the third attempt!
I had to reset the ECU to get it to idle and run properly also the power steering was pretty much non existent however a clean up of the connectors under the air box sorted that. It now runs like a dream with loads of power considering it's only the 192 model. Only remaining fault is the power steering is lighter turning to the left than it is to the right, any ideas?
Thank for advice I got earlier by the way, much appreciated.

CaymanRotary

this is usually a sign that the rack may need to be replaced soon. You will want to clean the power steering connectors first as it could just be an issue with the power steering harness. The overflow bottle leaks right onto the connectors next to the airbox. Its worth your while to make sure those ones at least are cleaned.

Congrats on getting it running again. Good job!