silvermax2k2

Hey all,

I'll try to make this short. My car has and overheating issue. First i found out the fuse blew for my radiator fans - so I replaced it and the fans worked. (or so I thought) Next, it happened again, so after allll the threads about overheating, I thought it was just due to the hot weather, so I bought a radiator fan control kit to turn on the fans sooner. Today, its 95 out, and I'm stuck in dead traffic due to an accident ahead, and I see the needle move. I pull over immediately, turn her off, and wait an 1.5 hours for her to cool off, and for traffic to clear. Once I get home, I tear her apart, and come to find out, only ONE radiator fan (the passenger side) is working.

My concern now is that since it had 3 overheating events, that my engine may be compromised, even though I don't see/feel symptoms. I want to get it tested, but here are my concerns:

-Will by having the fan controller installed void the warranty?
-Will the radiator issue void the warranty?
-Should I go in to fix the radiator issue, then ask for a compression test, or vice versa?

Please let me know your thoughts! thank you!

2005 RX8, 42,300 miles
New plugs wires coils installed by me
Full oil records with dealership
Bought car 1.5 years ago from dealership
Paid additional for aftermarket warranty
Still in the manufac warranty period

Thanks again in advance!!

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

A) the fan controller could indeed void the warranty if the engine failed from overheating due to fan stoppage after you installed the controller. Mazda has an easy legal out to argue that the controller, a non-approved Mazda part, is the source of the problem

B) you don't mention a "radiator issue"? Only fan issues.

C) If you want to go in for a compression test, I highly highly recommend that you get the radiator fans working correctly with OEM equipment by yourself or at a NON-MAZDA location.

D) Having overlapping warranties between aftermarket warranty and Mazda engine core is a very very good thing for you. Having just moved from RI, I can tell you that there isn't a single RI Mazda dealer that is worth going to. Unfortunately every single one will try to scam you. Flood Mazda told one guy that his engine was dead, and handed him a bill of $10,000 for the engine and $6,000 for the labor. That is no typo. He threw a fit and THEN they "remembered" that there is an 8yr 100k warranty extension and submitted it for approval, got approved, and it cost him nothing. Tasca tested my first engine as failing, and then insisted that it passed, that "they have never known an RX-8 engine to fail" and "never heard of RX-8 cat failure". Um, yeah. Right. They just refuse to acknowledge it. I highly recommend you take a Saturday and go up to Liberty Mazda in Wakefield MA. Yes, north of Boston, Exit 42 on I-95 I think. 90 minutes north of Providence. The service advisors, Tom especially, won't screw you, won't mess with you, tells you straight, and they got my engine diagnosed as failing and had it running with the replacement engine ready for pickup in 3 days. The drive is TOTALLY worth it.

silvermax2k2

First, Thank you so much for your detailed response - I really appreciate you taking the time to help me!

I figured as much with the fan controller - even though I know it's not the cause of the fan failure. When I spin the fan, it has resistance, and a clicking sound. It does not spin freely. But I can understand about how Mazda may/will use that in their favor to deny the warranty claim. How about my Intake? Should I remove that as well? It is not from Mazda.

As far as the radiator issue... I just assumed it was the fans due to the one that is not spinning freely. I checked the radiator, and it seemed like it is in good condition, and there are no leaks. Is there something else I should look for?

I can try to swap out the fans/shroud myself, but I have a couple of questions:

-Since I was thinking about doing this already, can I swap it out with a S2 fan shroud (since the motors are better) or will they give be flack about that too?
-It might be able able to find a replacement from another website on short notice - would you advise against going to the dealer to get the parts? I assume they keep record?

And finally, I'm so glad you saw this post, since you have experience with the dealers here, as you lived in RI. This is invaluable. As much as I would not want to take it to MA due to the drive, I am considering it. My only concern is how I would get back, as I don't have a 2nd car. Maybe I could take it to Tasca, and if they feed me some BS, I could take it to MA?

Thanks again for all your help!!!

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Fan blade issues are almost always 1 of 3 causes:
1) rubber grommets from the intake box (or other debris) fall into the blades and jam the blades.
2) wiring frays or corrodes and shorts out blowing the fuse or breaks the connection
3) motors simply fade of old age

None of them are related to the radiator itself. The fans and motors mount to the shroud, which basically clips onto the back of the radiator. No other direct interaction. Replacing it is a bit troublesome in what you have to remove to get the old out and a new in, but relatively cheap if you find out a partout or salvage one.

My only caution about checking with Tasca first is that I wouldn't trust their scores anyway, and what happens there goes on official Mazda record. If they deny you, getting it overturned will be difficult.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

car should not overheat when its just 95 out stuck in traffic. if its just fans problem then its easy. but u should check and see if ur Rad is actually working

silvermax2k2

It's funny that you should mention that... When I took off the airbox, I found a rubber grommet jammed in the blade, and it had cut marks on it. Opps. I assumed it was that in which caused the fan to go bad.

I have tried looking for hours for a DYI on how to gain access/replace the radiator fans, with no luck. Do you happen to know of a link with pictures? I Found a couple of replacemetn fans in my area.. one for $75, the other for $150. I'm going to do my best to get them install by monday, and find a new rad hose to replace the one I cut. Then, drive the car up to MA to mazda. Luckily, I have all next week off! (but will have to cut my vaca to NH short due to this issue.

thanks again for your help!

silvermax2k2

I'd have to assume it is... I mean the car does not overheat when I am moving, only when I am stopped, and I am not losing any coolant. Is there an easy way to confirm?

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

jump the fan relay and see if it works.

04rx8gt

I've been having overheating problems with my rx8. I know my fans work perfectly because when I turn her off both of them stay running. She has turned off on me twice already and I'm hoping I didn't mess up my motor. Will this be a problem with the thermostat? Or should I just get my radiator flushed?

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

if your thermostat has never been replace, then it might be a good idea to do it now.

I help a member here did a coolant flush once, for some reason his coolant came out black, I think he mixed it with Dexcool which messes up not only the color but the coolant ability of the stock coolant.

while I was at it I replaced his thermostat and water pump too,

after the complete flush (block drain too), no overheating problems ever since.