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N rider89 04-17-2008 03:11 AM


Originally Posted by Detrich (Post 2411465)
hmm... is it the AT's that are more prone to blowing?

generally they are babied more i think. might not be getting their redline a day

Shoafb 04-17-2008 08:25 AM

[QUOTE=New Yorker;2411273]

Originally Posted by Shoafb (Post 2411242)
The "cleaning" TSB is not to clean them all out; it's only to clean out those with reduced power or poor idling in hot climates. Why do you insist on making statements/asking questions that make it seem like this problem afflicts all RX-8s when, in fact, it doesn't? Do you work for Karl Rove?

I don't care if affects all 8's or not... it affects MINE.

Just like the other TSB to check ALL of the engines out. Well geuss what? My car passed that test less then a year ago. Now it is dead.

Maybe the 6spdAT will help relsolve the issue, but I don't see them offering to change my tranny out? If I keep the car I am in the same boat. I don' t see that they have "fixed" the problem.

As far as hot climate, I am in NC. Not that hot really, maybe afew months during the summer.

xsnipersgox 04-17-2008 08:32 AM

i think you just baby it too much.... and seriously.. 04 AT GREEN.... but u got a MT on something that is not a sports car

Shoafb 04-17-2008 09:19 AM


Originally Posted by xsnipersgox (Post 2411609)
i think you just baby it too much.... and seriously.. 04 AT GREEN.... but u got a MT on something that is not a sports car

Yea, the wife drives quickly, but doesn't flat out floor it enough. That's why I think it would just continue to be an issue for us with this car. As far as the green goes, it was a left over 04 when the 05's where hitting the lot so.. more willing to deal on that one. The paint is actually holding up well... The entire car is,I like it, handles great, looks cool......CHECK. just the engine went out.

Yea, and NEVER buy a MT Lexus.... it was absolutely the worst shifting MT I have ever had. I found out later they used the MT from the Tacoma truck with and changed the gear ratio! WTF! When I test drove the car I just thought I wasn't used to the clutch and really just paid more attention to the feel of the car. Never got used to it though. Check out some of the Lexus forums and you will see a LOT of complaints about them.

I ended up biting the bullet and trading it back in on an O7AT. I am much happpier now. The handleing really isn't bad. No where near on par with the 8 mind you but it aint no Camry either. At least it is RWD :)

Nice avatar you got there. Must be a good shot so I better be nice to you!

JRichter 04-17-2008 09:27 AM

So 2004 + AT = Engine Failure????

lilring 04-17-2008 09:40 AM


Originally Posted by JRichter (Post 2411675)
So 2004 + AT = Engine Failure????

haha you read my mind

Raptor75 04-17-2008 10:13 AM

Now stop that, the RX-8 has had no engine failure issues. All those reports of failure are a conspiracy to smug the RX-8's name. That survey showing the high engine failure is also all lies, possibly by 350Z owners. Mazda's recall on the engine failure issues was for emissions, didn't you read the card and this latest TSB is just out is to keep your engine squeaky clean on the inside because a clean engine is a good engine. Nothing to do with potential failure.

Oh and I almost forgot unless the engine explodes into a 20 megaton mushroom cloud it is not really engine failure!

Boy I feel better already.:fruit:


Originally Posted by Shoafb (Post 2411137)
Well, that was a mechanical problem the found pretty quickly.


How long has Mazda been trying to fix the Rotary?

Still trying, latest bulletin has them decarbing the engine.

How many more flashes did you go through on your Miata? How was the resale value?


Raptor75 04-17-2008 10:24 AM

At times this is true but you completely ignored the other reason for change and that is to fix a problem. In this case the new MOP and 3rd oil injector are added to try and reduce the engine failure rate. Think about it, they have increased the oiling rate twice in two separate flashes (one under recall) related to engine failure then they introduce a new oiling system in the new model.....please tell me you're no so thick as to miss the connection here.

Carburetors were not causing engines to fail when the move was made to fuel injectors, the lack of proper oiling under specific condition in the RX-8 is causing engine failure!

Fan-Boy < Facts


Originally Posted by New Yorker (Post 2411227)
Please… there's a big difference between fixing something that's broken—and making something that's good… better.

After 40 years, I think it's safe to say the rotary is not something that needs to be "fixed". As evidenced in numerous published, long-term road tests, Renesis reliability is about the same as other engines, if not better. Consumer Reports just added the 8 to its list of "Recommend Cars," which must be average or better in reliability.

Saying ECU reflashes—or changes in OMP design—prove that "Mazda has been trying to fix the rotary" is like saying auto makers' development of fuel injection "proved" that carburated engines were a poor design. That wouldn't be a fair statement; fuel injection—and thousands of other little improvements—simply made good engines… better. Get it?


OldCodger 04-17-2008 12:29 PM

I really miss adjusting carburetors. I think I will go have some lemon meringue pie and reminisce about it.

I still don't understand how a bad carburetor causes failure in an RX8.

CyberPitz 04-17-2008 12:58 PM


Originally Posted by OldCodger (Post 2412115)
I really miss adjusting carburetors. I think I will go have some lemon meringue pie and reminisce about it.

I still don't understand how a bad carburetor causes failure in an RX8.

It's a comparison. You know, when somebody uses one point to help the point he is ALSO making.

I don't see how this is a "BASH THE ROTARY" thread, now. Sure, engines fail ALL THE TIME. It's a fact, be it a Rotary or a conventional piston. Do Rotary's fail more than the Piston? Possibly, but let's look at how much money/time/manpower has been put into each. That's like saying during the early years of the Piston engine failing that it's a bad engine. Look at it now, tip top shape. Just STFU about our engines being Satans gift to the wicked, and deal with the fact that they are still trying to make this engine a better one by working out the kinks.

Shoafb 04-17-2008 01:56 PM


Originally Posted by CyberPitz (Post 2412185)
It's a comparison. You know, when somebody uses one point to help the point he is ALSO making.

I don't see how this is a "BASH THE ROTARY" thread, now. Sure, engines fail ALL THE TIME. It's a fact, be it a Rotary or a conventional piston. Do Rotary's fail more than the Piston? Possibly, but let's look at how much money/time/manpower has been put into each. That's like saying during the early years of the Piston engine failing that it's a bad engine. Look at it now, tip top shape. Just STFU about our engines being Satans gift to the wicked, and deal with the fact that they are still trying to make this engine a better one by working out the kinks.


Still working out the kinks? HA.... 30 something years and it still blows up... that ought to tell you alittle something.

Work the kinks out BEFORE you sell it to the public. This is no minor "kink"

Raptor75 04-17-2008 02:01 PM

I agree this is not a bash the rotary engine thread at all. I think the rotary played a role in all of us being drawn to the RX-8. The rotary is a unique engine with plus and minuses. The truth of the matter is that the minuses out way the pluses for most applications so the rotary is relegated to a niche market engine. This is actually a selling point for the RX because it makes our cars different and unique on the road. We should enjoy the engine for what it is but not hide from what it is not.

I think most the bashing going on here is aimed at a few nitwits who think criticism and reality are out to destroy the RX-8. These Fan-Boys can't see that the only way to better the breed is to bring its failings light. Despite the overwhelming evidence they refuse to believe the RX-8 has an engine failure issue. Rather then hitting this issue head on they prefer to stick their heads in the sand and claim everything is well and good with the rotary.

These people will never be part of the solution because there blind support of the car allows the manufacturer to rest on what they have done rather then correct problems and better the car. These people should be pity for their lack of vision and intelligence but their outspoken ignorance draws bashing instead.

The rotary is a great engine but the current version has problems and thanks to the backlash from the owners and the loss of money Mazda is working on a fix but we don't know if they have succeed as of yet.


Originally Posted by CyberPitz (Post 2412185)
It's a comparison. You know, when somebody uses one point to help the point he is ALSO making.

I don't see how this is a "BASH THE ROTARY" thread, now. Sure, engines fail ALL THE TIME. It's a fact, be it a Rotary or a conventional piston. Do Rotary's fail more than the Piston? Possibly, but let's look at how much money/time/manpower has been put into each. That's like saying during the early years of the Piston engine failing that it's a bad engine. Look at it now, tip top shape. Just STFU about our engines being Satans gift to the wicked, and deal with the fact that they are still trying to make this engine a better one by working out the kinks.


rotten42 04-17-2008 02:35 PM


Originally Posted by New Yorker (Post 2411227)
Please… there's a big difference between fixing something that's broken—and making something that's good… better.

After 40 years, I think it's safe to say the rotary is not something that needs to be "fixed". As evidenced in numerous published, long-term road tests, Renesis reliability is about the same as other engines, if not better. Consumer Reports just added the 8 to its list of "Recommend Cars," which must be average or better in reliability.

Saying ECU reflashes—or changes in OMP design—prove that "Mazda has been trying to fix the rotary" is like saying auto makers' development of fuel injection "proved" that carburated engines were a poor design. That wouldn't be a fair statement; fuel injection—and thousands of other little improvements—simply made good engines… better. Get it?

wow...just how much of the Mazda kool-aid have you been drinking?

CyberPitz 04-17-2008 02:57 PM

I'm hardly going to stand up on a pedistal and explain why this engine is good/bad/etc...I'm just saying that if there was a giant problem with the engine, then I'd expect more people to be having massive engine failures. Right now, it seems like it is a "kink", and they are still working to fix it. It's like Beta Testing some video game. you can test it in the shop all you want, but once you release it out into the wild, so many problems are going to arise, there was no way you could forsee it happening.

The engine has issues, that's a fact, but going on about how it's so horrible and to quote shoafb "blows up" is just a fact to you and some others, not to everybody. There are plenty of people who are on their first engine. Now, really, quit trying to be an end timer, and just accept that some die, some don't, it's a matter of time before it's resolved. Don't like it/think it's horrible? Not much anybody can do for you.

Raptor has probably the best POV about this, I think.

swoope 04-18-2008 01:35 AM


Originally Posted by Shoafb (Post 2412347)
Still working out the kinks? HA.... 30 something years and it still blows up... that ought to tell you alittle something.

Work the kinks out BEFORE you sell it to the public. This is no minor "kink"


bank 3 lean error code. that is a new one.

^^^^^^^^^^
could you get us a print out on that or get the tech to explain it to you.

and give us the info..

beers :beer:

Winfree 04-18-2008 01:46 AM

Two years and haven't blown her up yet -

did blow up a little two stroke propane engine that drives our emergency generator...sigh!

Shoafb 04-18-2008 09:33 AM


Originally Posted by swoope (Post 2413527)
bank 3 lean error code. that is a new one.

^^^^^^^^^^
could you get us a print out on that or get the tech to explain it to you.

and give us the info..

beers :beer:

Yea, I'll try and get that for you. It might be traded before it gets out of the shop. I am going to look at MX-5 Miata RHT tomorrow.
Dealer seems willing to work with the trade, the car has one year bumper to bumper left on it and 2 years (20k) left on the power train. It is bone stock and in excellent shape. I have all the records as well.

My wife really likes the miata, plus I think I'll get the most money out of it going back to Mazda. They can flip a 30k car with a new engine and 2 year warranty.

Bamablocker 04-18-2008 09:46 AM


Originally Posted by JRichter (Post 2410168)
Do all you multiple engine people have 2004's?

i have an 04 GT never had a problem with the engine. has been very well cared for

JRichter 04-18-2008 09:54 AM


Originally Posted by Bamablocker (Post 2413940)
i have an 04 GT never had a problem with the engine. has been very well cared for

Yeah, I know of plenty of 2004's with zero problems but the cars that do have multiple engine replacements/issues seem to be a lot of AT 04's. Not sure that is fully correct, this is why I'm just trying to get info. Why would a certain car need a third engine when most have original? Shotty reman's or what? If (so far, knock on wood) it seems they got the engine right in my '05, why wouldn't Mazda's replacements, by now, be any good?

JRichter 04-18-2008 10:01 AM


Originally Posted by Shoafb (Post 2413902)
Yea, I'll try and get that for you. It might be traded before it gets out of the shop. I am going to look at MX-5 Miata RHT tomorrow.
Dealer seems willing to work with the trade, the car has one year bumper to bumper left on it and 2 years (20k) left on the power train. It is bone stock and in excellent shape. I have all the records as well.

My wife really likes the miata, plus I think I'll get the most money out of it going back to Mazda. They can flip a 30k car with a new engine and 2 year warranty.

Is she looking at an auto MX-5, cause the stick version is pure bliss and a hoot to drive...

Shoafb 04-18-2008 10:09 AM


Originally Posted by JRichter (Post 2413977)
Is she looking at an auto MX-5, cause the stick version is pure bliss and a hoot to drive...


Yea, I heard the MT is awesome in them.

She wants the AT though. I did read a very good review on the AT as well and at least it is a six speed.

I'll still be in the Mazda familly.

JRichter 04-18-2008 10:19 AM


Originally Posted by Shoafb (Post 2413989)
Yea, I heard the MT is awesome in them.

She wants the AT though. I did read a very good review on the AT as well and at least it is a six speed.

I'll still be in the Mazda familly.

I'm sure the AT is pretty decent and that's what she wants, give us some impressions on the RHT MX-5 once you all check it out, I know it's a sweet little car but haven't heard much about the RHT part of it.

Raptor75 04-18-2008 10:45 AM

I think the one thing we must remember is that most RX-8 will never have a failed engine. That being said it also appears that the engine failure rate while being relatively small is much larger then the normal engine failure rate of other cars. Now add to this the fact that there are potentially many RX-8 that are running fine now but will experience the same engine failure down the line. This is the biggest problem we face. We know there is a issue but we don't know for sure if it is fixed or how many cars will ultimately be effected.

CyberPitz 04-18-2008 10:57 AM


Originally Posted by Raptor75 (Post 2414096)
I think the one thing we must remember is that most RX-8 will never have a failed engine. That being said it also appears that the engine failure rate while being relatively small is much larger then the normal engine failure rate of other cars. Now add to this the fact that there are potentially many RX-8 that are running fine now but will experience the same engine failure down the line. This is the biggest problem we face. We know there is a issue but we don't know for sure if it is fixed or how many cars will ultimately be effected.

Resolving the whole "massive carbon buildup" would help a ton. I know it will never be eliminated, but it shouldn't be large enough to cripple an engine in such a short time with no 9k RPM WOTs...

Shoafb 04-18-2008 12:10 PM


Originally Posted by Raptor75 (Post 2414096)
I think the one thing we must remember is that most RX-8 will never have a failed engine. That being said it also appears that the engine failure rate while being relatively small is much larger then the normal engine failure rate of other cars. Now add to this the fact that there are potentially many RX-8 that are running fine now but will experience the same engine failure down the line. This is the biggest problem we face. We know there is a issue but we don't know for sure if it is fixed or how many cars will ultimately be effected.


Yea, that is what is scary. The car had all ready passed the last inspection/recall for engine failures recently. Also, the car had stalled out once a couple of months ago and idled a little rough ( not so much that I thought anything of it though ) and there was no loss of power that I could tell.... then BAM.... CEL and I need a new engine. Could've been a lot worse. My dealer was on top of it and it is still under warranty.

Maybe de-carbing the rotary should be more of a regular maintenance thing? It would be cheaper for Mazda then replacing engines.


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