ericlift

So I've encountered an interesting issue recently. I'm having issues starting my car, hot or cold. Its actually harder to start when its cold though. Its an 06 MT with 107k miles on what I believe to be the original engine, its used in autocross a couple times a month, only engine mod is BHR ignition (with maybe 20 miles on it) but that was installed after this issue started (I thought the issue was coils and I was planning to get a kit anyway so I figured I'd get it now). I still have a cat, but I need to pass inspection before I can put my midpipe in, and I can't pass inspection when they cant start the thing..... So before getting flamed with "use search", I'll go ahead and say that I did and I've narrowed it done to starter or fuel pump. But I'd like people who have more experience than me (I've owned the car for 2 years and have been a member here for a while but have never had to post anything since I can usually find what I need) to weigh in. The issue started after a few laps on Dominion Raceway at the ECRC a couple weeks back. I was able to start just fine after the event but after about an hour of highway driving I turned off at a gas station and it wouldn't start. Ever since then I've had the starting issue. I ran some 44K through the gas tank hoping it was just some bad fuel or a clog but that didn't seem to help. I am not down on power and I have no CEL, which makes me believe that its not fuel related. So my real question is, is it likely the starter? I mean what are the chances that it works fine and then an hour later just craps out, I figured there would at be least a week in between where it would just slowly die down. When I do start it, I crank for a while the first time and then I can here the noise from the engine change and then once I try cranking a second time it fires right up after a second or two.
Thanks for reading! (Especially because this was like a really long paragraph so I'm surprised people actually read it. and because its another one of those damn "starting issues" threads that we all hate. Don't worry, I hate myself even more for being the one to post another one of those damn threads)

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

I would start with looking at the fuel pump if it is the original. There is recall for the pump assembly so maybe take it in and get them to give you a new one

Battery and starter .....if the battery is low...starter is slow that can cause issues...but it doesn't explain the crank ...nothing...re-crank and it starts symptom.

After that...check the compression if you haven't done it yet

ericlift

I'll check the fuel pump recall, see if I can get it done

I had the battery checked and it passed

I planned to get the compression checked but Angel Motorsports is still closed while they move locations so I haven't had the chance to go down there and get it down

It just bothers me though because I feel like the issues should have risen when I started it after a few laps on the track, because a long time in high rpms usually makes things go bad, but instead it started just fine and was only an issue after an hour on the highway

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

Mine always ran a lot better after a stint at the track. It burned out all the carbon.

it would make a bit of sense if it is the pump.....the high output at the track makes it work harder and it could fail after. You could easily have the filter plugged up at that mileage....and something could have got stuck in the regulator...and your pressure may be lower if the bypass is leaking and not holding pressure. It is easy enough to check the fuel pressure if you have the gauge and adapter like most shops will

ericlift

Update: I got the recall taken care of, didn't fix my issue. I had asked the dealer to do a compression test but I guess they forgot to? Don't know what happened but I didn't get charged so I don't care too much. I'm taking it to Angel Motorsports tomorrow to get some of their thoughts and a compression test.

I found out today though that the issue gets worse when my fuel level is lower. I used a jerry can to put 5 gallons in (put it at half tank) and it had some issues but only like 5-10 seconds rather than the usual 20-30 seconds (I know I'm terrible for cranking that long but ya gotta do whatcha ya gotta do). I drove for a while and brought it down to 1/3 tank and then the starting issue came back full force. Not exactly sure what that means but it makes me think its definitely something with the fuel system. Thanks for your thoughts!

Reoze

My dealer and MNAO was very adamant that they are not replacing the pump. They have a kit for the "fuel filter assembly" that is given out as part of the recall. Which as far as I can tell is the plastic housing the pump snaps into.

In other words, I wouldn't exactly write the pump off as a non-issue.

ericlift

Yeah I'm sure with its age that it probably isn't working anywhere near 100%, its a possibility which is why I'm taking it to Angel Motorsports. Hopefully they can test the fuel pressure and have an idea of my issue when they hear it trying to start

ericlift

I got the news no rotary owner wants to get:

Rotor 1:
62 63 61
Rotor 2:
50 58 62

I guess she finally decided to give up and that's why she wouldn't start. Luckily the Reman should be coming in tomorrow and be up and running again by the weekend.
For being that low I would've expected a lot more issues though, which is why I had held on hope for not needing a new engine

ericlift

Update: It was the fuel pump all along, and obviously the lack of compression didn't help but I think the main issue was the pump. After having the new engine installed, I was driving it around for break-in and it cut off on me while cruising down the highway, couldn't restart it and it sounded fuel starved.

gwilliams6

You got the recall done that replaced the fuel pump filter assembly, correct ? And you have a reman engine installed correct ?

Yes failing and old series 1 fuel pumps (made by Arram) overheat quickly under heavy load and low fuel levels. Highway driving at speed puts heavy load on the pump, generating heat, and the low fuel level exposes the pump out of the gas in the tank, which helps keep the pump cool. The classic scenario for a failing pump. Seems you still need a new pump. And you don't want to hurt your reman with starving it for fuel. There are extensive threads on the forum about series 1 fuel pump failures.

Many have gone to other aftermarket pumps or a Series 2 fuel pump which is an improved design from a different manufacturer,Denso. I wound up installing a series 2 pump in my 2008 RX8 after repeated episodes of fuel pump failure. If you were able to restart the car after waiting a period of time for the pump to cool down, that is another classic indicator of a failing pump.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-maj...-modes-176491/

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-...ries-i-230326/