StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

Some guy on the oil discussion forum - BobIsTheOilGuy - claims that ALL RX-8s in the USA are having their engines replaced, mostly out of warranty, and that 5W20 oil is to blame.

5W20 killed all the RX8s discussion.....

I don't think his "facts" are correct, but what do I know.....

S

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

Blah, let me read it.

Ericok

Well, he's wrong about the new engine claim but I think he may have a point on 5W20 not being the best choice for oil since Mazda calls out 5W30 for the rest of the planet. It's clearly FORD that's requiring Mazda to call out 5W20 in North America.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a freaking tard

icyur2

Would it matter to us, since we change our oil @3K intervals..we aren't leaving it in there for 7.5K.....

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

It should be CAFE who wants 5w20. Hell even Honda use 5w20 in North America Market.

That guy has some info came out of the dealership, of which that, we all know are full of BULL in the first place.

blah. Im going to register and post something there.

Hotsauce

My question is should we run 5W30 in our 8s like the rest of the world?

wisconsinben

I run 5W30 in the summer and 5W20 in the winter. I think there are several other 8 owners using this method.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

I have been running 5w30 since I think 12K miles. I've been thinking of 5w40 but nah not right now. maybe later.

Celronx

iTrader: (1)

I can't say much more than I used 5w20 and I had my motor replaced because it blew up. Out of warranty, 73k miles. I'd like to know how many other cars have lost engines and at what mileage. I seriously believe that it's related to the heat produced and the use of 5w20 oil. My new engine is getting nothing but 5w30 and cooing mods.

Joe_914

My engine just runs like new.
I don't understand the failed engine thing. If you drive the car like you are supposed to then it will last a long time. I use 5W-20 oil as the oil injection is calibrated for that.
"We" never lug the motor but rather spin freely shifting above 3500 RPM minimum.

your milage obviously varies from mine.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

My Engine is fine.

there are tons of people, on this forum, use 5w20 for years with more than your 73K without problems. Some even race with 5w20

You just had bad luck.Hey, it happens !

knight7

iTrader: (1)

i have never had a problem with my engine. runs smooth and strong. most my problems are small annoying problems, except the tranny. and i had mines since it came out. always used 5w20 all year round, and i do oil change every 2500 miles.

Celronx

iTrader: (1)

That's exactly what I did. Exactly how I drove mine. Changed oil religiously at 3k miles. Used quality oil. Redlined it once or twice a day since I have about 70 miles a day of highway cruising. Checked oil levels regularly. Used Lucas Oil UCL as premix (4oz./12 gal) for 40k miles. Changed plugs, trans diff fluid, I did EVERYTHING you are supposed to with this car. I took care of this car better than I have any car I've ever owned. I still blew up.

As always, your results may vary.

In speaking of my problems, I still agree that saying that all RX-8's are getting new engines is just a bit obtuse.....

Cel

Hornet

Wow...this is quite a shock to me that they could swap my engine without me knowing! I've had my 8 since Oct '03...it is over 50K miles and has never been in the shop long enough to get an engine swap! Where the "every RX-8" thing came from I don't know but this individual is spreading some garbage information and needs to get his facts straight! Hell, I drove the car across country from Northern Virginia all the way to Northern Cali at about 30K miles and the engine held up fine (btw that was using 5W-20)!

NoTears316

Sea Ray

Here is a quote from Able, what a nitwit.

Buster,
I advised those who wanted more info on Mazda RX-8 engine failures can Google search the subject.

You asked how I know about the failures and the oil being the cause, well I suggest you read my blog untill it is clear to you what is causing the failures and then search other web sites for similiar information.

I have and RX-8 and I have first hand knowledge in addition to the researh that shows every RX-8 owner is having engines replaced in the USA but not throught out the rest of the world with the only variable being the oil used.

Buster, your question of how do I know is similiar to how do you know the sun comes up and causes heat.....duh

NoTears316

perhaps 5w20 is the cause of global warming...

captain mercury

it all goes back to hitler

therm8

I would argue with the guy, but I've been running 5w30 since the first oil change...I'd hate to reinforce his warped reality.

CarAndDriver

I'm not the first owner, but I've switched to 5W-30 since the first oil change under my watch at 12K miles.

Jax_RX8

I am a member of BITOG as well - here is my response:


Unfortunately, you have taken a few true facts and manipulated them into an untrue story - with the help of a clueless dealer rep (as too many are). I too am an RX8 owner and a current member of the RX8club.com - I suggest you do some reading and learning there.

Key points:

1. Yes - 5W20 is the recommended oil. I use it and there are no issues with this weight although some prefer 5W30.

2. 5W20 oils allow greater flow and more cooling - so your theory on overheating because of the lighter weight oil is incorrect.

3. There have been a few engine failures (less that 1%) in mostly the 2004/5 models.

4. RX8's use an Oil Metering Pump (OMP) to inject a small amount of sump oil into the motor to lubricate the Apex and side seals - about 1 qt every 1000-2000 miles depending on how hard you drive the car.

5. The earlier OMP settings (which have now been corrected with an updated computer flash via a recall) did not inject enough oil for some extreme conditions such as very hot weather and very long idling - which caused some engines to have premature wear issues of these seals.

6. This excessive seal wear could cause low compression resulting in incomplete combustion of the fuel and flowing unburnt fuel to the catalyst and then frying the catalyst as well over time, so it is checked as part of the recall and replaced if necessary with the motor.

The key here is that there is no need to panic. All new vehicles have the new OMP setting and the existing ones are getting them as well as being checked for any premature wear and catalyst issues. Again, very few have needed engine replacements (like I said, less than 1%). So, use your 5W20, change the oil regularly, enjoy the ride, and do a little more research before pushing the panic button.

Regards

otherside

Serious case of head in rectum disease.....

CarAndDriver

This is turning into another oil thread! The advantage to 5W-30 is that it is a bit thicker so it provides a bit more lubrication right? The thinner 5W-20 allows for better MPG emissions.

Marc_GS

It's widely assumed that it is only for MPG/emissions, but that's not for sure.

Some of the BITOG guys claim the thinner oil could theoretically run a bit cooler. I've thought about this in the past, and I guess the reasoning behind this is that less heat is created in shearing the thinner oil than the thicker oil (easier to shear = less heat.)

I'm of two minds on 5W20 vs. 5W30. On the one hand, the thicker oil seems like it should have a better lubrication. On the other hand, and considering the importance of oil temperature in a rotary, if the 5W20 runs even a tiny bit cooler that is a definite advantage.