Hi everyone – I’m new here, but have had My RX-8 since it was new in ’05. It is presenting some issues, and I’m pretty sure I need to take it in for service, but would like to get some info here first so I know what to expect and can hopefully avoid getting ripped off or sold unnecessary services at the Stealership.


Car: 2005 automatic, 75k miles. Engine replaced at 40k after flooding 3X.


Issues: Rough start lately, cranks more than it used to (and I have a new battery). The past few weeks it has been VERY sluggish the first 5 minutes it runs after it’s sat overnight. Feels like the car is starving for gas and about to stall. It will only go about 10mph in the first couple minutes it runs. Once it warms up, it seems to act more normal, though acceleration is not as smooth as it used to be. Also, I have been noticing the slight smell of gas outside the car. My garage smells like gas (and there’s nothing else containing gas in the garage).

 

Compression test...start with that, then let us know the results, good luck.

 

I took the RX-8 to Mazda yesterday and they quickly discovered the gas smell was due to GAS LEAKING out of the tank. It was so bad that the underside of the rear seat was wet with gas. So one culpret has been found, but I don't see how a leaking gas tank would cause the car to be sluggish and struggle when cold. Once the tank is fixed they can look for other issues, but they did say that when they tested for error codes nothing popped up...

 

Dealers are worthless when it comes to troubleshooting.


It is possible that the two issues are related, as that leak is going to actually be from the fuel pump, not the gas tank. It is possible that yourleak was dropping fuel pressure too low.

Otherwise, i'd say that you need to start with ignition replacement, clean the maf and ess, reset the fuel trims, and see how it is then.

 

there are many helpful members here in FL, name a city and people who are local might be able to help

 

Got my car back from Mazda after $330 for replacing the cracked lid and gasket of the fuel tank under the backseat. Car seems to be running fine now. Maybe the sluggishness was due to low fuel pressure from the leak (like RIWWP mentioned)? Idk... I am no expert, but wanted to post the results in case this helps someone else with the same problem.

 

If the sluggishness is gone, then yes, the leak was likely causing a fuel pressure drop. Actually quite dangerous for your engine (though the leak is more dangerous for your own health!)


Let us know if it comes back, since it's a common symptom with many possible reasons.