Notices
Series I Tech Garage The place to discuss anything technical about the RX-8 that doesn't fit into any of the categories below.

Car keeps stalling

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 07-11-2009, 02:42 PM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
missprissypants's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Texas..
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car keeps stalling

I have an manual 04 with about 59,800 miles on it.. I have no warranty..
Its been acting really weird for the past month.. My car drives fine like nothing is wrong in the morning and night time.. But once 1-5 o'clock come around we have major problems. Its the hottest part of the day, temp range frm 101-115 what my car reads.. I can drive for about 10 mins till I hear a noise like a rattle near my engine (im guessing) and once I come to a stop it just dies out.. I have to sit for about 30 mins or so.. Then I go to start it, it cranks and cranks then it will start.. Sometimes it takes longer.. My car isn't over heating, battery is fine, new plugs, wires, water pump and coils.. One other thing I notice is every time I come to a stop and go I can hear something like a marble in a can type of noise under my car or behind it.. I will be taking it in on Monday but I just want to have an idea.. Could it be my cat? If so is, is this cover by any warranty?
Old 07-11-2009, 03:24 PM
  #2  
Metatron
iTrader: (1)
 
StealthTL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: A Pacific Island.
Posts: 7,280
Received 173 Likes on 130 Posts
Prolly not the cat, it would start fine with a bad cat, but no power.

First thing I would do is change gas stations, buy some premium from a name-brand pump. Your hot day problem sounds like a vapor lock caused by crappy gas, and the detonation you are hearing is dangerous - get some good fuel in there and get back to us.....

S
Old 07-11-2009, 03:46 PM
  #3  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
missprissypants's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Texas..
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by StealthTL
Prolly not the cat, it would start fine with a bad cat, but no power.

First thing I would do is change gas stations, buy some premium from a name-brand pump. Your hot day problem sounds like a vapor lock caused by crappy gas, and the detonation you are hearing is dangerous - get some good fuel in there and get back to us.....

S

I will try this but I always put good fuel from different pleases like shell etc.. What about the marble in the can noise I always hear? Does that come from bad gas too?
Old 07-11-2009, 03:49 PM
  #4  
I8U
Registered
iTrader: (1)
 
I8U's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Carolina Beach, NC
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It might be a a failing fuel pump as well...simply because you said it runs fine in the morning and at night. The fuel pump may be over heating during the afternoon because of the temp...
Old 07-11-2009, 03:56 PM
  #5  
Boosted Kiwi
iTrader: (2)
 
Brettus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Y-cat-o NZ
Posts: 20,523
Received 1,491 Likes on 839 Posts
The engine might actually be getting very hot - you would not notice this as the temp guage does not move till quite a high temp anyway . I'm picking this is in slow speed stop start traffic ?
Suggest you try putting about 6-7oz of two stroke oil in with the gas next time you fill up - this may improve your compression when hot . If it works you may have a compression loss issue ......
Old 07-11-2009, 04:02 PM
  #6  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
missprissypants's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Texas..
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by I8U
It might be a a failing fuel pump as well...simply because you said it runs fine in the morning and at night. The fuel pump may be over heating during the afternoon because of the temp...
The check engine light comes on and off sometimes.. And I got it scanned I forgot the code but it was for idle to low.. Nothing to do with the fuel pump but I will get that looked at as well.. Thanks..
BTW whats the detonation?
Old 07-11-2009, 04:05 PM
  #7  
I8U
Registered
iTrader: (1)
 
I8U's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Carolina Beach, NC
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The only real way to check the fuel pump is to replace it. You won't throw a code for it. Detonation occurs when excessive heat and pressure in the combustion chamber cause the air/fuel mixture to auto ignite prematurely.
Old 07-11-2009, 06:55 PM
  #8  
Rotary Powered Countryboy
 
04RX8man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 4,811
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
^should not be having a problem with a stock engine with recommended 91 or higher oct.!
Old 07-12-2009, 12:28 AM
  #9  
I8U
Registered
iTrader: (1)
 
I8U's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Carolina Beach, NC
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
^Should not be having a problem with what, the fuel pump or detonation? She asked what detonation was, I gave a definition.
Old 07-12-2009, 01:45 AM
  #10  
No respecter of malarkey
iTrader: (25)
 
TeamRX8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 26,720
Received 2,007 Likes on 1,636 Posts
second Brettus on low engine compression being a likely cause, sorry to say that engine stalling under high heat conditions due to a bad engine is a definite issue on the early RX-8s, the noise could be internal mechanical damage

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-trouble-shooting-95/rx8-engine-replacement-bad-news-66842/

you say there is no warranty? Is this due to being a salvage or something? Mazda extended the engine warranty due to problems on the early models, so unless there's something unusual causing you not to be under warranty if the engine compression is under spec it should be covered.

Last edited by TeamRX8; 07-12-2009 at 01:52 AM.
Old 07-12-2009, 09:43 AM
  #11  
Rotary Powered Countryboy
 
04RX8man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 4,811
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
she should not be having a prob with detonation if it's just stock(whichi'm guessing it is) and she's using at least 91 oct....

def could be a fuel pump....didn't mean to confuse!
Old 07-12-2009, 10:59 AM
  #12  
Owner of BHR
iTrader: (7)
 
Charles R. Hill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,101
Received 45 Likes on 32 Posts
Nobody wants to propose the coils? Nearly 60K miles, problems when hot, "detonation"/MIAC noise, etc.

OP; when was the last time your spark plugs, plug wires, and/or ignition coils were replaced?
Old 07-12-2009, 12:02 PM
  #13  
SARX Legend
iTrader: (46)
 
9krpmrx8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 33,784
Received 452 Likes on 366 Posts
I would start with coils, etc. But your symptoms are just like mine and I had low compression which is why my baby is getting its third engine. Texas heat is a ****!!! What part of Texas are you in?
Old 07-12-2009, 12:50 PM
  #14  
Owner of BHR
iTrader: (7)
 
Charles R. Hill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,101
Received 45 Likes on 32 Posts
The '04-'05 models were prone to low compression due to inadequate OMP volumes so a compression test is probably the FIRST thing that should be tested.
Old 07-13-2009, 11:11 AM
  #15  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
missprissypants's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Texas..
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
In San Antonio, Tx.. I have changed all the plugs, wires and coils maybe a month ago.. It is stock and original engine..

Last edited by missprissypants; 07-13-2009 at 11:15 AM.
Old 07-13-2009, 11:20 AM
  #16  
SARX Legend
iTrader: (46)
 
9krpmrx8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 33,784
Received 452 Likes on 366 Posts
If you are still stalling after replacing all those components then likely (like 99.9% sure because its exactly the symptoms my last two motors had) its low compression and you should have the dealer look at it.

We will be having a mod day here in San Antonio once my car is back from North Park so if you want we can take a look at it then. Just check the Gulf Forum for updates.

Last edited by 9krpmrx8; 07-13-2009 at 11:23 AM.
Old 07-13-2009, 12:11 PM
  #17  
Registered Zoom Zoomer
iTrader: (2)
 
Huey52's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: New England
Posts: 4,089
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
Since you've replaced electrical components it would seem to be compression related. Stick with 91 or better octane to preclude pre-detonation and in the short term you could try pre-mixing some 2 -cycle oil in the gas, typically 4 oz. per tankful (Idemitsu or similar) to aide the apex seals.

Keep in mind that we do have a 8 yr/100k warranty on the drivetrain so if worse comes to worst you're covered for a Mazda rebuilt engine.
Old 07-13-2009, 12:22 PM
  #18  
jersey fresh
 
dillsrotary's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 3,688
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by TeamRX8

Mazda extended the engine warranty due to problems on the early models, so unless there's something unusual causing you not to be under warranty if the engine compression is under spec it should be covered.

If you didn't see this OP, the engine warranty is good for 100,000 miles or 8 years, your engine should still be covered.
Old 07-13-2009, 12:35 PM
  #19  
Registered User
 
Aseras's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,587
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Throw 2-4 ounces of 2 cycle oil in the tank and see what happens. If it start running good, your apex seals are going from the recall issues and you need to get the engine replaced.
Old 07-13-2009, 12:56 PM
  #20  
Registered
iTrader: (5)
 
cyclone1208's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Arlington, TX
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Damn you TX weather for punishing our car in the summer time!!!!
Old 07-13-2009, 04:30 PM
  #21  
I8U
Registered
iTrader: (1)
 
I8U's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Carolina Beach, NC
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Aseras
Throw 2-4 ounces of 2 cycle oil in the tank and see what happens. If it start running good, your apex seals are going from the recall issues and you need to get the engine replaced.
Make it 6-10 ounces per tank and loose the cat...and then drive the hell out of it.
Old 07-13-2009, 04:43 PM
  #22  
Owner of BHR
iTrader: (7)
 
Charles R. Hill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,101
Received 45 Likes on 32 Posts
Cleaning the MAF sensor, cleaning the e-shaft sensor, and resetting the e-shaft profile may be in order, as well.
My apologies if these have already been discussed.
Old 07-15-2009, 12:44 PM
  #23  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
missprissypants's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Texas..
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I gave up! I took it into the shop on Monday wit Sean at Northpark Mazda.. Still no word.. I want to say it's the engine but I had an marble in a can noise all the time coming frm the back.. Thanks for letting me know about the warrenty, I was wondering how I was going to pay for a new engine.. Thanks for all the help.. I will let yall know whats wrong wit in when I find out.. BTW how long does it stay in the shop for a new engine?
Old 07-15-2009, 02:11 PM
  #24  
I8U
Registered
iTrader: (1)
 
I8U's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Carolina Beach, NC
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
^Depends on when the dealership actually orders the engine...I've seen it take as little as week and seen some that have taken a couple months.
Old 07-15-2009, 02:53 PM
  #25  
SARX Legend
iTrader: (46)
 
9krpmrx8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 33,784
Received 452 Likes on 366 Posts
Yeah NP has had my car for a week and they still have not gotten the engine yet. I went this morning and there were two others currently getting motors in the shop and several others in the service lot.


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: Car keeps stalling



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:09 PM.