I'm new to the whole rotary engine, this being my first rotary car and all, and have heard about the 8's rough idle, but have to ask anyway. When I stand near my exhuast with the car idling, I hear a put put. This sound occurs randomly and if this was a cylinder engine I would have assumed it was a misfire or something. Maybe its because the car runs rich? I actually have no idea and am just typing lol. Have any of you 8 owners noticed this? Let me thank all of you ahead of time for your input.

 

I experience the same thing and often wonder what it is. I did have a Mazda engineering rep look at the car and after running tests found my car to be better than most. The only thing is I can't remember if the car was doing this before they ran the test. Whatever it is, it does not effect MPG as of yet. It could be a tell tale sign the cat is begining to deteriorate but I could just be paranoid.

 

If you search some of the older threads, you'll find that the little pop noise is normal for rotaries at idle.

 

Well that is certainly good to hear. See, I told you I was paranoid, but thanks for the news Atacdad.

 

yup yup, appreciate it atacdad