Car left standing for 2 weeks. Started up Ok, but only left running for a few minutes. (Mistake!) Not used again for further 2 weeks. Wouldn't fire. Enacted de-floooding procedure several times. No go. Removed plugs, which were wet, especially the 2 rear ones. Cleaned and dried them. (only done 500miles on new plugs). Turned engine over for 30s with plugs removed. Done this 3 times but barely fires and won't start. Running fine until I had to take it off the road due to being out of the country. Baffled.

 

You need to disconnect the ESS if you going to turn it over with the plugs removed.
Or at the very least have your foot planted on the gas peddle.

It can take a lot, really a lot to deflood an rx8

If you can pull start the car

 

It's flooded...if it is a MT...pull start it

If it's an Auto...read up on the deflood procedure and give it a go....

Few important things if you are going to try the deflood....use a jumper battery if you can...if the voltage drops then the problem is really difficult to overcome

 

What is the ESS? I have of course removed the petrol pump fuse.

Update :managed to tow start it, eventually.

 

ess = e-shaft sensor. Same thing as a crankshaft sensor in a piston car. Sits down next to the front main pulley. Disconnecting that prevents the ECU from injecting any fuel or firing the coils, useful to ensure that your cranking is reducing the fuel volume and not adding to it.

 

Eccentric Shaft Sensor
Disconnected it will kill the fuel and the spark.

If you can't pull or push start the car then
Remove spark plugs and follow the above advice.
Short 10 seconds bursts of cranking
Let battery recharge between cranking
Continue until no more fuel sprays out of plug holes.
(at least 10 rounds)