TsM

First I apologize if this is the wrong section, I just really need some help.

My car had a nasty rattle/whining sound coming from the engine bay so I took it to the local Mazda dealer. They told me the problem was a sticking shutter valve, it wasn't covered under warranty, and it'll cost $1,200 to replace including parts and labor.

I have an 07 manual RX8, 43k miles.

He told me the cause was ethanol gas causing carbon buildup. I'm the second owner and I redline my car very frequently so that carbon buildup WOULDN'T be a problem. He said this won't cause my car to breakdown overnight but eventually my car will stop running.

Anyway, my question is, is he telling the truth? This isn't under warranty, and that $1,200 is about right for a fix like this? Should I pay that or cut my losses and sell the car? I love it, drove it for two years, but this is a really stupid problem to have.

I'm looking for any help/advice, thanks.

dozer

iTrader: (3)

he can suck a donkey d**k, that whining sound you hear is your air pump, it happens to a lot of us, some people have even removed it. can you explain the rattle? does it sound like marbles in a can? any Check engine lights?

Old Rotor

Go to DIY area....


https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-remove-ssv-beta-teaser-video-184663/

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

I do it for u for 500 if you're in NYC. I'm serious. pm me

and which dealer did u go to? please tell me which one is it so I can call them to **** them off.

dozer

iTrader: (3)

^i wonder if it really is the SSV or the dealer just BSing him...i ono i could be wrong too, im just going off my experience with that damn whining sound

TsM

No CELs, no problems as far as the vehicle running or performing. It sounds almost like a stutter as if the car is about to die but over and over again, like a rough idle. Maybe a bad belt or a bent fan blade is what it sounds like. You hear it more when you're in the front of the car or if I'm at a fast food drive through and it echoes off the wall.

Could I check it out myself somehow to see if it really is sticking?

TsM

Oh and I don't think it's the typical whining of the water pump valve, it sounds more like a clicking on top of that. I only hear it at idle BTW.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

does it sound like marbles in a blender kind of sound ?

TsM

LoL! I'm down south haha and it would be histerical if you called and bitched them out.

The sound doesn't really sound like marbles in a can to me but it could be the same sound. What does that sound mean in our cars?

And if anyone's in Oklahoma that could check this out for me please let me know...

dozer

iTrader: (3)

the marbles in a can sound means your Cat is gone. done for. no more. no mas gato.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

you can always ship ur car to me along with a 500 bux money order. I fix it, call ur carrier to bring the car back to you. done.

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

Unless the actuator is dead you really don't need parts. You remove the alternator and some other stuff...remove valve..clean it and re-install..about 2 hrs labor...

77mjd

And the reason dealers quote so much is that they won't remove and clean the valve, they want to replace the whole unit with the updated one, which I think is totally unnecessary.

T-von

Fyi, taching out your engine frequently isn't gonna do anything for the carbon buildup that's already present in the intake track from the previous owner. As dannobre already stated, you just need to remove some intake pieces to manually clean the carbon out. Then as a preventive measue, start premixing. Premixing not only gives more oil lube of the housings but it also provides a slight oil film up the intake runners and the aux sleeves. When your runners have this oil film, the carbon wont stick.

04Green

iTrader: (1)

You do almost all the SSV access work to change the OMP o-ring. It is not hard, just work. The o-ring is harder, but I believe you can leave it alone for SSV access. There is a good video out there. This is a good chance to look at the air pump delete as well. The racing beat part worked great, and was only a few bucks.

@T the fuel injectors are below the SSV. I am not sure how premix will get oil back up there.

TsM

I appreciate everyones help. I remembered I bought a warranty when I purchased the car and I take it in on Tuesday so the dealer can make a claim. Anyways, I'm pretty sure it was because I took it to the dealer to change my oil one time and they over filled it. I heard that can mess up the intake system and that's what I think happened. I'll keep you guys updated.