I just got myself a 2004 rx8 (6 spd manual. 232hp)
starter cranks but It wont start. The guy I got it from told me that he used to work for mazda and it has to be problem with flywheel or clutch. It sounds like it cranks but it doesnt move the engine. He also told me that when he tried to push it and put it on gear it wont start either. He siad that when he cranks engin by hand it moves so I guess there shouldnt be any domage inside. No check engine light. Can he be right? Or is it something else?. I got an extra engine with transmisson on the side. In the worst case I will swap what I have to but I would rather try to fix it. Can It be starter? Maybe it was grinding too much and its slipping now?

 

Sounds like the starter isn't engaging with the fly wheel. If i had to guess the fly wheel is fine but the starter is bad and not moving out to engage with the fly wheel, If you have an extra starter laying around try putting that one into the car. You can also hook 12V to one and you want to make sure that the gear moves out about 1in or 1/2in but it should move out some. Could always roll start the car as well if you just wanted to hear it run. The clutch has nothing to do with it not working.

 

 

Thanks a lot. I will try to change the starter tomorrow and I let you know if it works. Thanks again!

 

No problem hopefully it'll will help you find what is wrong. Also when you have the starter out look in side the hole and look at the fly wheel teeth to make sure they seem ok

 

One more qestion. If its a starter, why I cant get the car started by roll start? I didnt try it, but the guy i got it from siad that he couldnt get it started like that

 

Are you sure this engine is capable of starting? Have you had a compression test or verified that the ignition coils are producing spark?

None of this sounds like a starter/clutch/flywheel problem. All of it sounds like a dead rotary

 

When using the starter can you see the belts move on the engine? If it's not starting from roll starting something else could be wrong with it, and you would want to check compression.

 

If you can upload a video to YouTube and post a link here, it will help better diagnose the problem. Gotta hear it to be sure.

 

I took off the starter today. Starter is fine but the flywheel is bad. I was able to spin it with one finger and it's wiggling. I'm going to take off the transmission this weekend and I will know for sure if it's a flywheel. So far it looks like that.