Picking up RX8 Tuesday...what are flashes and flooding??
 

Hey all,
I have been reading this board alot lately since I have a red/6speed/GT on the way. I see there has been some talk of "flashes...L-flashes" and flooding.

What are these things?
Sorry, I am a noob!!!

Thanks all!
Chris

use the search button. its your friend. these topics have been discussed ad naseum in this forum......

Flashes - two types:
1) firmware upgrade to your PCM fuel control module (I think that is what the PCM is). Ensure you get the latest (M) to help out with any potential flooding problem. Do a search as Shooter suggests to get more info on this.
2) some nasty dude wearing a raincoat that just wants to gross me out. That is why I carry a slingshot...hit'em where it hurts is my motto!

Flash: this is a term used to describe re-programming the engine control computer/module (also known as PCM, ECM, etc.). The engine control module basically controls everything about how the engine runs - fuel/air mixture, timing, gauge readouts, etc. From time to time, the manufacturer will release new program code for the ECM. Loading this code into the ECM is called "flashing" (because the program is stored in circuits called Flash-RAM). Currently, Mazda is up to revision "M" (alphabetically) of the firmware (program).

Flooding: This refers to the condition when too much fuel is fed to the engine while attempting to start it. Remember that liquid gas does not burn, gasoline only burns when it is in vapor form. With older piston engines, flooding would generally wet down the plugs, shorting them and temporarily preventing a spark and therefore - no start. Flooding in a rotary engine is a little more serious. In addition to wetting down the plugs, flooding can also lead to a loss of compression because it effects the seals used on the rotors. Restarting is possible, but more difficult (see the de-flooding procedure in the manual). Rotary engines require a bit more fuel to startup than piston engines, making them a little more prone to flooding. The "M" flash attempts to rectify this by preventing a rich fuel mixture at cold startup until the car fires. MOST owners have not experienced flooding, which typically only occurs in cold weather, when the car is started, moved a few feet, and then shutdown. Under these conditions, there can be a lot of unburned fuel in the chambers which could result in loss of compression and flooded plugs. The way to avoid it, don't shut the engine down until it has warmed up sufficiently. Mazda says 5 minutes. Typically, when the idle has dropped to about 1000rpm, you will be fine.

Hope this summary helps. A search will reveal vast amounts of info - these are probably the two hottest topics...

so do you just take your 8 into your dealership and have them "m" flash it? how long does it take? does it improve performance? what do you tell them at the dealership when you want it done?

Hey I am picking up mine on tuesday also hehe what a coincidence.