Frogger

Hi all:

First time poster here, so go easy on me

I've narrowed my car search down to the RX8, but I noticed a lot of discussion about a flooding issue. The information of these forums varies depending how far back I look. So I have a couple questions regarding the car.

1. What is the latest status of this issue?
2. I read that the problem is worse with AT, is this true?
3. Are there any other problems with the Renesis I should be aware of?
4. Would you recommend waiting to see if they fix anything in the 2005 Renesis?

In case it matters, the exact configuration I'm looking at is:
6 Speed MT
Grand Touring Package

The car looks great and drives great, but I'm just concerned that the engine may be flaky. This would be my first rotary, so I'm not sure what to expect.

Texas 8

1. Status is as follows: warm it up before you shut it down and all should be well and good.

2. I have a MT, so I really couldn't give you an accurate answer.

3. Oil consumption is normal. About 1/2 QT every 1000 or so miles. Mileage is not toyota prius-like. It is less than EPA stated ##'s but what you get in return is a fair trade-off.

4. From what I gather there will be only minor (at best) changes for 05.

Good luck!

MBL-RX8

1. Not sure on the latest status of this issue as it's always been an issue with rotary engines. Flooding is now covered by the warranty though.

2. It seems to be a bigger issue with the ATs. Personally I think it's an overblown issue to begin with.

3. Only known problem is that you'll never want to shut off the Renesis. :D It's THAT freaking fun.

4. I doubt they'll do anything for 2005. Probably a new color or two and some option package changes. We're deep enough into the 2004 model year where all of the earliest, scariest bugs have been worked out.

I can tell you that you can expect a very, very fun engine. I wasn't completely sold on the rotary concept either, but 900 miles later I still do not have an inkling of a regret. In fact, pistons seem downright boring in comparison. :D

Honestly, to avoid flooding you just have to have a warmed-up engine before shutting it down. Due to its design, this engine heats up VERY fast so usually that's not a problem. Even if you're not sure that's it's warmed up there's a procedure to ensure that it won't flood the next time around...simply hold the gas pedal at 3k rpm for 10 seconds and shut it off. No big deal. Even if it does flood, there's a procedure to get around that as well!

RX-8 friend

The "L" flash has gone a long way to cutting down on the flooding. Check the TSB (one of the latest ones) on hard starting/flooding. In the Tech. section of this forum.

Frogger

Great, thanks for your answers!

RX8by

My 1997 Honda Accord 4 cyl had the same problem. Start it up drive it in the garage shut it off and it would be very flooded in the morning. I sold it with 147,000 with no problems. It seems that there is a very rich mixture which will leave gas in the engine when you turn it off. The excess fuel will cause a loss of compression which keeps it from getting started. You just have to let it run 5 to 10 min when you start it cold. I doubt there will be a fix for this soon. My Honda was never Fixed as that was just the way it was.

rsuwanski

I use to have a 93 (3rd Gen) RX7 Twin Turbo with a few mods--and it never flooded--except for the literal flood in Allison. Maybe it is because I loved driving it so much that I naturally let it warm up before I shut down. The couple of times that I actually did a quick start and shut down to move the car for washing--it still never flooded. I currently have a 99 Millenia S that I'll be trading in in about 2 months for the RX8. The Millenia is giving me more problems than my 3rd Gen did (which wasn't a whole lot). In summation--don't be scared off by this flooding issue; any car can flood, rotaries are just more succeptible. I never flooded my 3rd Gen. The decision for me to go for the RX8 came down to power (G35C vs. RX8) gonna go with RX8 because its faster than my Millenia S (even the auto), has better fit and finish than the G35, and is more "exotic". If you don't choose the 8--don't let Rotary reliability be the reason. Also keep in mind there are many 1st and 2nd Gen RX7s with nearly 200K miles on the odo--the 3rd gens 13B was turbocharged-thus were a lot less reliable.

Sue Esponte

I hate "search the archives" responses but I think when it comes to flooding it's your best bet. Unfortunately I've said it a ton of times but for every 10 people you ask you will get 11 opinions.

Quick summary:
1. Status is unchanged and sounds like it will not change drastically.
2. No. Same engine and its probably actually less likely to flood with an AT anyway since a driver can't stall an auto like a manual.
3. The official word on "flooding" is that it isn't a problem, it's a consequence of driving a rotary. Some will go further and say "piston engines flood too". I'll let actual owners respond to the other issues they might have.
4. There won't be a new Renesis for '05. It may be tweeked as all engines are during their lifetime but the basic engine will be more or less unchanged.

Good luck!

-Eric

rxeightr

The configuration you want is what I have owned for the last 8 months.

I have not had any flooding problems, average 21-22 mpg, and have only had the CEL light come on, which was corrected with the latest 'L' reflash.

You picked a great ride. I let the owner of my company drive it last night -- a smile never left either of our faces

MMGDC

I have the exact configuration you're looking to get and have 7500 miles on the car. I'd thought flooding wasn't a problem so long as you don't shut the car down ice cold, but my 8 flooded earlier this week, despite normal usage and no cold shutdowns.

I love the car, but be warned, there are some bugs that haven't been ironed out of the first year model. Flooding is a real risk, even if you do take normal precautions.

mngpao

I have an AT RX8 that flooded only one time. It was late in winter after the car had not been used for 3 or 4 months. The battery was weak and didn't allow the car to start properly. I was able to get it started by following the instuctions posted elsewhere.

I drove it to the dealer where (as per the TSB) they replaced the plugs with the new "hot" plugs and "L" flashed the ECU. Now that I'm driving the 8 almost daily, I haven't had any more starting problems. My gas mileage has always been 20 to 24+ mpg and the plugs and "L" flash haven't changed those numbers.

If you make sure the engine has warmed up before turning it off and you keep your battery properly charged, you will not experience the flooding.

BIU

about the holding the gas pedal at 3k rpm for 10 sec...

do you turn off the ignition while you are doing that or do you wait until the engine finnishes turning THEN turn it off?

thanks

zoomalot

If I recall correctly, the recommended procedure is to let the engine return to idle and then shut down. You can find the actual procedure somewhere on the forum by searching. I didn't locate it again, but someone else can probably supply a link.

Frogger

Thanks for all the great responses! I'll consider all of them when making my desicion.

lisajc

Love it, Love it, Love it!!!!!

I too had the same concerns. I did a lot of research on the car. Actually decided against the RX8, because reliability and gas milage are a big issues for me. I looked at the 350Z and Crossfire, sent the husband to test drive, but could not bring myself to test drive the other cars. They just didn't do anything for me.

I just had to come to grips that the RX8 is a higher level car that needs tender loving care. I have not had any problems, and feel that I made a great decision. I have trouble keeping my husband out of the car.....always messing with it!