Rx8 Engine Problems
 

Obviously I'm sure everyone here has read about the numerous reports of engine problems with the Mazda Rx8. I bought one despite what I heard because the first time I drove one, it was the greatest ride ever.

I plan to change my oil once every two months. I'm positive I won't be putting anymore than probably 1000 miles on it during that time. Would changing my oil so frequently prevent engine failure? My engine is at 25k and I hope for it to exceed 100k one day without an engine swap.

I've read numerous posts on here of people saying the rotary engine can easily outlast a piston engine with the right maintenance and that 99% of engine failure is due to not changing the oil when needed.

What do you all have to say about this? Also, should I go by what the manual says about what oil to put in there? Reason I ask is because everyone seems to have a different opinion on what oil should be used. I even heard that some types void the warranty. What types would that be? I just bought my car used about a month ago and the last thing I want to do is void the mazda warranty just in case my engine decides to fail.

Read the link in my signature

I suggest you read, read, read. There are a million oil threads.

Technically they only recommend the 5w20 and that's to meet CARB requirements, so some people use different weights, I know I do. It's 5w30 in almost the rest of the world.

Whatever you do, you must keep receipts and records of all oil changes or you will have a hard time getting Mazda to step up if something does happen.

You can go by what the manual says in terms of months and mileage on the oil. Personally............I change mine every 2500-3000 miles.

The debate rages between synthetic or dino oil, so just be careful if you choose synthetic because the manual does say not to do so........but many do run it with no issues.


You should not really change your oil based on time...........unless you never drive much. Anyway, more important is to check the level every two fill-ups of gas, and keep it somewhat near the full mark Over filling is bad, but not as bad as running it out of oil. It does burn a little as it's supposed to do so, so check it kinda often as I said.

Changing the oil every 1,000 miles is probably overkill, but it won't hurt and it might do some good. Personally, I change every 2,000 miles or whenever the oil starts to look dirty.

Given your concerns, you should definitely look into premixing. If you don't have an '09 model, there's a lot of evidence to suggest that premixing is the way to go to make the engine last. I strongly, strongly urge you to premix if you don't have an '09, and since yours has 25k miles I doubt it's an '09.

There are lots of threads about which oil to use, search and you'll find more than you can read in a day. Common wisdom is that the 5w-20 oil recommended in the North American owner's manual is just a ploy to meet mileage standards, and is bad for the car in warmer climates. Heavier oils are recommended in the owner's manuals elsewhere in the world, and it's the same car. Personally, I use Idemitsu 10w30, but I don't think you can go wrong with Castrol GTX or Royal Purple.

Yes, change oil at the specified interval. Yes, follow the manual about the oil type and viscosity. That is if you're worried about warranty.

Now, if you're willing to appreciate the "conversations" and pages of archives about many things you asked:

1. Change engine oil at 3000 miles interval
2. You can use popular brand of dyno oil like Castrol GTX 5w-30 for winter (some feels that 5w-20 is too thin, and Mazda recommends the use of 5w-30 on other countries) and 20w-50 for summer
3. You can use synthetic oil, stick with the popular brand like Royal Purple, RedLine, etc.
4. You might want to consider premix, too.
5. Redline once a day help to keep the carbon away.
6. Fill up at Top Tier / reputable gas stations and use the right octane (Shell, BP, etc).

When you start to "deviate" from the manual (since you want the best for your car, prolong engine life, etc) you have to understand that whatever you do with your car, it's your own responsibility. So research, read and think logically with open-mind.

My 2 cents.

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/rx8-faq-new-owners-116484/

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beers :beer:

use 5w30 royal purple, run premix, check oil twice between oil changes, redline often. Best advice

The engine failing has hardly anything to do with how often you change your oil.. the problem lies in the OMP not delivering enough oil to the chamber, thus premixing is a better solution than changing your oil more often

I'd deffinitly recommend using premix. I've only gone through 2 tanks with, and 2 tanks without, and difference is phenominal. Use premix, your baby will love you for it