Compression help!!!
 

Hey Guys,

I have an RX-8, but im trying to get one for my wife also. It is a 2004 with 70,000 miles and when I test drove it, it dies at idle.

I have since requested the dealer to get a compression test. The results were:

Cylinder 1 @ 250 crank amps: 6.6, 6.7, 6.8.
Cylinder 2 @ 250 crank amps: 6.8, 6.8, 6.9.

Are these reults good? OK? or do I need to get the engine replaced? Mazda are claiming it is the ignition coils doing this.


I tried searching through the threads, but couldnt get a accurate outcome. Thank you in advance for the input.....greatly appreciate it rx8 friends!

Your engine is at the limit and 2 faces are actually below it.

Right, it's low...............I would steer clear.


In a nutshell........................
Standard- 8.5
Minimum- 6.9

Ignition coils MY ASS.

Ignition coils have NOTHING to do with compression test results.

Are you getting it from a Mazda dealer? if yes then tell them to get the engine replace under warranty, THEN you will buy it.

There is no "Cylinder" in Rotary engine, Its just Rotor 1 and 2.

Its from a used dealer, but Mazda are claiming it's the ignition coils (which were just replaced lol). I think its safe to say the rotary needs replaced, right?!

Regardless of the compression test, why buy a used car that dies at idle? Why buy from a used car dealer who thinks a customer won't notice or mind that?

Ken

As others have stated, it's below Mazda's spec. The minimum is 6.9 at 250rpms. Sounds like it may still be under the engine core warrenty(100k/8yr). Although if it was initially purchased in 2003 it could be getting close eto 8yr. Make sure it has good maintenance records even though Mazda hasn't been real picky about it. I would only consider buying it if your pretty sure you can get Mazda to replace the engine and you are getting it for a really great price. I'm not sure I would spend over $5k for it.

ken-x8: I wanted to know because the car is still under warranty, and I wanted to know where I stand IF I did buy the car. The engine is still under warranty tho.

Thanks for the help everyone else. I think I will keep looking for another rx8 for my wife. This used-car dealer can sell this to someone else!

Thanks again guys.....!

It's probably best to that unless the dealer will put in a motor before you buy it.
Good luck in the search.
Wait for a better one to come along.
I'll may get flamed a little, but these cars are a wee finicky.
May need to be a bit more cautious than normal.

some people got over 200K on the original engine.

and the Mazda dealership the used car dealership been to is full of shit

either tell them to get Mazda to replace it, or find another car.

Let's be clear though. Is the Mazda dealer saying the "dying at idle" a result of coils or the low compression. From what I recently experienced I wouldn't be surprised the dealership saying the coils could be bad due to "dying at idle". Yes, I agree, it's most likely low compression, but the dealer is likely just trying to get a few extra buck's (and covering their bases) before jumping into an engine replacment. If they are claiming low compression, then yes, nycgps is completely right, the dealership is full of shit!