jisoo26

Since my 8 is only about a month old, I'm still learning all sorts of stuff about it but sometimes I just have to ask when I'm not sure about something

Every morning my engine gives off a short-lived rattle from cold start, usually when I put it into either reverse or 1st gear to take off to work. I searched around the forums and the closest thing I could find was a mention of a "clunk" sound related to ABS. I don't know if perhaps I'm mistaking this engine sound for the ABS sound?

Basically this is the sequence of events:

1. Start up engine in the morning.
2. Wait 10-15 seconds (per the manual).
3. Shift into reverse.
4. Hit some throttle....rattle is heard here when engine is between 2k-3k rpm.
5. Rattle disappears as I drive off (I assume that perhaps engine warming gets rid of it).

Based on the sound, I'd guess that it might be the rotors thumping around in the chambers until the engine oil is able to get circulated properly since this is a cold start. This sound doesn't come up again until the next morning since I leave the car untouched overnight.

Is this a normal occurance? Or is my assessment wrong? If so, I hope someone has a better explanation...it's probably the only thing that's a slight concern. Other then that, the engine purrs when driving (which I love).

EyeBall Fixer...(o)(x)

Might have loose or cracked motor mounts. I think there's a recall for this.
Check with your service dept...
Good luck.
Al

jisoo26

This is why I love rx8club...I'm gonna be here until I'm 90 lol

Thanks for the heads up eyeball! You wouldn't happen to know which TSB that would be, would you? I'm checking this website: http://www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/bulletins_index.html but I don't see it.

NoTears316

I had a rattle sound coming from under my 8. I originally thought it was a loose heatshield, but when I got it onto a lift, it turned out to be my SR cat.

jisoo26

Did it have the same symptoms as I described? My rattle only happens on a cold start and only is audible when the thottle is hit (albeit only temporarily).

NoTears316

Well, I cant say that the cold had anything to do with it, but it definitely rattled during acceleration.

jisoo26

You know come to think of it, I do recall hearing a very very slight high-pitched rattle that only came up during acceleration (all gears as a matter of fact). Hope I don't sound dumb (my car mechanical skills are very novice), what is the full name of that abbreviation "SR cat"?

NoTears316

The catalytic converter on my SR midpipe. I recenty installed the RP supercat and no more rattle.

EyeBall Fixer...(o)(x)

I stand corrected...
It falls under "Known Issues"
Read this thread.

The only reason "I" knew about this is because it's something I'm experiencing now.
My mounts are on " back-order" for God knows how long! They say at least 6 more weeks!
Like your 8, mine is worse when the outside temp is cold and is most noticeable in reverse.

jisoo26

Ok thanks. I just found a few other threads over in the tech garage forum that seem to confirm that it's either bad engine mounts or the cat. Thanks for the replies NoTears and Eyeball, it's very appreciated!

jisoo26

Got my car back from service at the dealership. They had it for two days straight and said they couldn't find anything wrong with it....tech said that the engine just needs to be broken in (5,000 miles according to him...wth?). I'm thinking I may take my car to another dealership for a second opinion, somehow I have a hard time believing that this noise would go away after 5,000 miles.