RX-8 40th Anniversary

Hey guys,
Lately, I've noticed the car has started to physically shake and struggle to go up to 2k like a normal startup after sitting for some time. And when I mean by physically shake, I mean the entire car shakes. Like mirrors, and its like there's something clogging the chambers over time. I don't know what it is really But when she hot starts, shes fine and acts normal, no power loss or nothing.. There is still a minor oil leak but I don't think it's possible that's causing the physical shaking when starting. It sat for about two days this week in a ventilated garage and then when I started it up, she physically shook, took a little bit longer to actually rev up to 2k when starting like a normal car, about 2 seconds of physically shaking and then reaching 2k.. but once shes past 2k she acts completely normal and no more physically shaking... I'm not sure if I should be concerned about it but it kinda scares me every time I start it up like that. If I let it sit for about 6 hours, everything is completely fine. Even after one day it'll be completely fine, but when she sits for a little bit that's when the shaking occurs. The first time it happened she had to sit for about two weeks and then when I started her up, it was like she was choking on something but after about 10-15 seconds she was fine and was normal. She was fine so I thought nothing of it but lately shes been doing this.. It hasn't happened before when I let her sit for one week, any guesses? maybe its still the oil leak? My mechanic hasn't had time because he is alone when working and is the only one in town that can work on them.. But again thanks in advance!

kevink0000

Have someone start the car, while you get a whiff of the exhaust upon start while that condition is exhibited, especially before the cat begins to light off. The smell will tell you a lot. Fuel, oil, or coolant. If that is inconclusive, let it sit until you are sure the condition will exist, then pull a plug in each chamber, and have someone turn the engine over by hand while you observe what is in there through the plug holes, without starting it. I think in either case you will find what you are looking for.

Snox801

As stated above. That is exactly what I would do. I would take out plugs first to see what’s inside extra fuel, oil, or coolant. If you can’t find something plugs back in start and smell what is coming out.

RX-8 40th Anniversary

Got a heavy whiff of oil once the conditions were set, and didn't smell it anymore once it warmed up. I'm assuming its the oil leak that's been there for quite some time. I really appreciate the help, thank you!

CaymanRotary

It could be indicative of a problem you will want to sort out if possible. Excess oil leaking into or onto the engine is very concerning. In a car where oil is so crucial to the operation of the engine, it would be a good idea to get it checked out. It could be something simple to fix. Best get to finding out the cause before more serious issues arise because of it.

JoeBlow

Could be time for an Oil catch can.

RX-8 40th Anniversary

Yeah, I planned to get it checked out here very soon... unfortunately the mechanic is very busy and I haven't been able to get it in yet, its either him or its a 3 hour drive plus 600+ in labor to a dealership that probably hasn't even seen one in years..
The mechanic here in town knows the engine very well and has already fixed many things wrong with the car when I first got it, so I trust him more then anyone else.

I do believe the leak is still associated with the OMP

JoeBlow

Take the intake boot off at the throttle body and check for oil. Also check the rubber line that goes from the oil filler tube where they split into two and attach to the inspection ports on the lower intake manifold.
Careful you don't plug up the catalytic convertor running it like this.

Loki

iTrader: (1)

If you battery is dying, as indicated in your other post I think, that could cause it also. Do the gauges sweep back and forth while you're starting? My 2004 only does that when the battery is weak.

RX-8 40th Anniversary

Oh wow, that'll be something to look for then, didn't even know about that.. thanks for letting me know about that! Only thought you had to press the brake pedal 20 times when resetting to see it sweep.

RX-8 40th Anniversary

I will do that and look into it! I thought I replied to JoeBlow's Oil catch can, but I was going to look into that too.
I should probably mention I have a gutted cat, but still have the rest of the stock exhaust.

CaymanRotary

He's talking about the RPM needle not the oil meter. If battery is low you'll see the dial sweep when you go to start it. Attempting to start the car with low battery power can potentially flood the engine.

RX-8 40th Anniversary

Duh I don't know why I was thinking oil.. I'll keep you guys updated as well, getting the car looked at and potentially fixed on Thursday.. thanks!