Hi i just purchased a 2006 rx8.....when i got home i checked the oil level and noticed a gas smell...just wondering if this is normal with rotary engines? i've read that it can ruin apex seals, not sure how accurate that is. Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks

 

Well, gas in the oil is not something that should be happening. It dilutes the viscosity and thins it out. Gas being inferior to oil when it comes to lubrication. Both being petroleum products however, they chemically mix well.


BUT...


I assume you checked the oil with the dipstick. Was the gas smell on the dipstick? Did you isolate that the dipstick is where the gas smell was coming from? Could it have been coming from somewhere near that and not actually the oil?

 

Yeah, its common to have gas in your oil in this car since it runs rich, but the fact that you noticed so easily would indicate that you need new coils, wires, and plugs.

IMO that the number on cause of engine failures starts with the defective designed coils leaving gas to deposit on the apex seals, and over heat the cat.

RX8club help for diagnosing engines troubles always starts with : Make sure you have new coils, wires, and plugs.

Since you bought a used car, it's a no brainer: Put in new coils, wires, and plugs.

Best deal is buy the BHR ignition kit with upgraded coils that will last the rest of your cars life.

My 07 6spd auto 8 had only 22k miles, and was running super smooth, but after I put the BHR, the engine has a noticable kick and roar now.

More powwa!

 

Thanks guys i appreciate your advice.
Also the gas smell is coming formk the oil cap not the dipstick.

 

short trips put a lot of gas into the oil.
should go away after a long drive.

 

a redline a day keeps the carbon away....and possibly gas in the oil also...haha