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Dumb Question Thread - no flaming or sarcasm allowed

Old Jun 12, 2013 | 05:48 PM
  #2226  
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From: Marshield Wi
Get up and go gone. Just got back from a 400 mile freeway trip in my 2005 with39000 miles on it. Car feels like it does not have its normal get up and go. Starts fine and runs smoothly but it gust seems to be lacking the zip it had? Thoughts 0n things I can check prior to taking it in (6 speed)
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Old Jun 12, 2013 | 05:56 PM
  #2227  
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From: Pacific Northwest
See the misfire thread in my signature. You may not have a blinking CEL yet, but if you are down on power you are probably misfiring, the ECU just may not recognize it yet. Go through the items.

A short list of possibilities with that limited information though:
- compression loss
- cat failure
- coils dying
- plugs dying
- wires dying
- e-shaft sensor fouled
- maf fouled
- air filter clogged
- vacuum leak
- o2 sensor failure
- tire pressures too low
- brake caliper dragging
- water temp sensor failure
- engine carbon caked
- electrical grounding problem
- intake valving isn't actuating correctly


And probably more I'm not remembering.
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Old Jun 19, 2013 | 06:18 AM
  #2228  
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From: Marshield Wi
Effects of sun roof on vehicle

I searched the site and did not find an answer. What effect does the sun roof in different positions on performance and gas mileage?

For instance, when open full, I assume it increases drag. But if open so the back is up, does it add any downward force on the rear like a wing?

Wondered if anyone has monitored fuel mileage for highway travel with the roof open in different positions?

PS. Learned not to open the sun roof after it has rained. You get a drenching from water running off the glass.
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Old Jun 19, 2013 | 08:24 AM
  #2229  
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From: Pacific Northwest
Yes. Sun roof open in any position at highway speeds will have a noticable drop in gas mileage. Even just the tilt position. I presume that this is due mostly to the addition of a huge low pressure zone immediately behind the glass. Lots of added drag. I was seeing a repeatable 2-3 mpg drop

No, there is no downforce, as the panel flexes considerably. Any downward push is just transmitted into the flexing parts. Same reason why trunk mounted wings are less effective than fender mounted wings. I would also expect that the low pressure zone behind the glass would also have a slight amount of lift generated, in addition to drag.
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Old Jun 19, 2013 | 09:03 AM
  #2230  
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From: Wiscompton
how many bolts are there holding the bell housing to the engine? 5?
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Old Jun 19, 2013 | 09:26 AM
  #2231  
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From: Pacific Northwest
It's 6, at positions (looking forward):

1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 10

The one at 8 o'clock is under the starter flange.
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Old Jun 19, 2013 | 09:51 AM
  #2232  
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Where do you get "Hotter" plugs? No one local even knows what I'm asking for.... Ngk brand please.
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Old Jun 19, 2013 | 09:57 AM
  #2233  
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I know what you are asking, but no, I don't know an answer. Maybe look through the NGK catalog? I imagine if you can find them there, any vendor that sells the plugs might be able to special order them.
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Old Jun 19, 2013 | 12:42 PM
  #2234  
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Check engine light is on, can I turn off without disconnecting battery?
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Old Jun 19, 2013 | 12:46 PM
  #2235  
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From: Pacific Northwest
Yes. Any code reader should be able to send the "clear codes" command.

If you don't have one, then no, not without disconnecting the battery.

I recommend everyone obtain a code reader however. It's cheaper than even a single diagnostics fee at any dealer, and you can read your own codes and that of any friends/family that needs it at no additional cost.
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Old Jun 20, 2013 | 01:10 PM
  #2236  
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Originally Posted by 1.3_LittersOfFurry
Where do you get "Hotter" plugs? No one local even knows what I'm asking for.... Ngk brand please.
here go:
RX-8 Ignition Parts
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Old Jun 20, 2013 | 01:13 PM
  #2237  
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Originally Posted by RIWWP
Yes. Any code reader should be able to send the "clear codes" command.

If you don't have one, then no, not without disconnecting the battery.

I recommend everyone obtain a code reader however. It's cheaper than even a single diagnostics fee at any dealer, and you can read your own codes and that of any friends/family that needs it at no additional cost.
can you send me a link or give me some info on where i may acquire a code reader?
are the vehicle specific?
ty in advance
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Old Jun 20, 2013 | 02:34 PM
  #2238  
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From: Pacific Northwest
No, they are not vehicle specific. The US government mandated universal OBD2 compatibility in 1996, all vehicles since have an OBD2 port and can communicate through it.

Auto part stores (online and in person), amazon, ebay, etc... just about anything that sells anything automotive in nature as even remotely substantial probably has code readers for sale.

Huge range of options and features out there as well. Anything from simple readers with a cord to bluetooth readers to transmit data to a smartphone app to readers that stream live data, capture data, etc...


It's basically like you just asked me what a good link is to someplace to buy clothes, and what clothes you should buy, and if they are human specific

Last edited by RIWWP; Jun 20, 2013 at 02:38 PM.
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Old Jun 20, 2013 | 03:14 PM
  #2239  
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So there is a drive in theater in my town I like to go to. With my last car (Scion tC) I would leave the car running so I have AC while I'm sitting. Or I would start it occasionally to let the alternator charge the battery.

I am aware it is bad for the engine in the RX-8 to leave it idling for a long time. (This could be up to 4 hours) And it is also bad to start the car and kill it frequently.

So my question is what should I do in this situation. Would it be ok the leave the car running for a while? Or What?
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Old Jun 20, 2013 | 07:19 PM
  #2240  
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Originally Posted by Felix_Wankel_fan88

Thank you!

(Not sure how I missed it.)
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Old Jun 20, 2013 | 08:20 PM
  #2241  
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So I am sure someone some where has covered this question, but considering the amount of threads on the topic it would take weeks to find it.

Has anyone looked into a bypass module for the coolant light problem? IE a voltage divider I would believe would be sufficient. Does anyone know what the voltage range of the level sensor is?

TIA
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Old Jun 21, 2013 | 05:24 AM
  #2242  
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Cart Price Check Part:18-110A-N3Y9

That can't be for one plug.... If so, that's just ******* retarded.
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Old Jun 21, 2013 | 06:53 AM
  #2243  
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Originally Posted by Carbon8
So I am sure someone some where has covered this question, but considering the amount of threads on the topic it would take weeks to find it.

Has anyone looked into a bypass module for the coolant light problem? IE a voltage divider I would believe would be sufficient. Does anyone know what the voltage range of the level sensor is?

TIA
Just unplug it. It right next to the reservoir.
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Old Jun 21, 2013 | 09:07 AM
  #2244  
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Originally Posted by Hesselrode
Just unplug it. It right next to the reservoir.
Doesn't answer my question nor helps as I am trying to find a way to eliminate the dash light if someone has a faulty sensor.
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Old Jun 21, 2013 | 09:20 AM
  #2245  
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Originally Posted by 1.3_LittersOfFurry
Cart Price Check Part:18-110A-N3Y9

That can't be for one plug.... If so, that's just ******* retarded.
that is a bit steep
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Old Jun 21, 2013 | 11:03 AM
  #2246  
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Originally Posted by Carbon8
Doesn't answer my question nor helps as I am trying to find a way to eliminate the dash light if someone has a faulty sensor.
If you unplug it the light turns off.
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Old Jun 21, 2013 | 11:04 AM
  #2247  
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Fair enough
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Old Jun 21, 2013 | 10:58 PM
  #2248  
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What's the best toe of oil to use???
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Old Jun 22, 2013 | 01:10 AM
  #2249  
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Originally Posted by KiraThorne
What's the best toe of oil to use???
I prefere the Big Toe method

Unless you are willing to put in the hours to research, don't ask. You will only acomplish antagonizing an argument that is beaten and still ranges anywhere from 5W-20 to 20W-50.

Research and decide for yourself.
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Old Jun 22, 2013 | 07:41 AM
  #2250  
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Brand is not as important as keeping it fresh, IMO.
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