msrecant

You can play the same game with two jack stands but it is a little more work to adjust. BTW, make sure you check that the RX-8 is level in both directions (front/back and side/side).

The only trick is that your ramps need to be of a "low profile" design. The outer lip on some ramps will catch the standard RX-8 spoiler and the Mazda air-dam looks even lower. Rhinoramps are designed for cars low ground clearance at either end. They have no lip on the ramp portion and a minimal lip on the top. They were the only ramps that I found that would work with my Miata.

msrecant

Here is the picture of using ramps under the front wheels, but keeping the car level.

SpacerX

Excellent thread.

Will be picking up the crush washers from my dealer this Friday and doing the fluid change over the weekend (using the recommended Redline fluids). I have access to an "auto hobby" center, so I'll use one of the lifts there.

BTW, the diff and oil pan crush washers may be similar, but they have different part numbers. I'll compare the two and report findings here when I pick up the diff and tranny washers.

SpacerX

Also BTW, I nominate this as another excellent addition to the "DIY" forum

rxeightr

They are the same size washer, the difference is in their material composition.

If I remember correctly, the rear differential crush washers were brass, whereas the transmission washers were soft steel.

SpacerX

I think you're correct.

SpacerX

I just re-checked the DIY link (posted earlier). It looks like the "filler" plug washer is coppery, while the drain plug washer is silver-colored... I forgot to ask the parts guy for a filler plug washer -- DOHH!

I'll examine them all Thurs when they come in, and I'll post findings...

SpacerX

Here's the link again:
Change Tranny & Diffy Fluid

pret

Just changed both tranny and diff fluid at the dealership. They used 2.5 qts for the tranny. If this does not sound correct, could someone knowledgeable please let me know? I understood that it was 2.0 (tranny) and 1.5 (diff)

rx8cited

1.85/1.4 US qts for manual transmission/differential .

2.5 qts in tranny is definitely excessive. Did you watch them do this or are you looking at the paperwork?

rx8cited

msrecant

rx8cited is dead on about the specifications.

From a practical standpoint, when I changed my transmission oil it took exactly 2 full quarts. However, I used a few ounces to flush the pump (which had not been used in several years) so 1.85 qts is probably what actually went into the transmission. If you do it right I don't see how anyone could use more than 2 qts unless they slopped over 1/2 qt on the floor.

Now the painful part. The reason I changed my transmission oil was because I didn't like the performance of the brand the dealer had used when I had them change it the week earlier. When I changed it I first very carefully leveled the car. When I opened the filler plug, to my surprise 3 or 4 ounces immediately came out, which means my dealer had over filled it. Probably their lift was not all that level. I suspect (guess) your dealer has over filled yours. You probably need to go check (level the car, put a pan under the filler plug and open her up). If more that 1/2 quart comes out then the mystery is solved.

pret

I will take the advice and check the tran oil myself. I did not watch them, that is what they told me.

shifting is exceptional with the redline brand! Thanks again all!

rx8cited

I would not bother wasting my time. I doubt they had the car so off-level that they put 0.5 qts extra in. They computer system probably just bills for 2.5 qts.

rx8cited

pret

they used 2.5 qts of the oil that I provided.

rx8cited

I bet all 2.5 qts is not in the tranny - but please let us know after you check . When I did mine on a level-looking lift, it took a bit under 2 qts as expected.

rx8cited

pret

ok, so my husband was ready to open the filler plug to drain some fluid. his friend that is a mechanic said he sould just bring it back to the dealer. friend said that he sould just bring it back to be checked because it is pressurized and by opening it, it would let air in and would have to be bled. was he confused with brake lines? we have an appointment on monday regardless. his friend asked if there was any loss of power (doesn't seem like it) or to check to ensure the temperture gauge is not sweeping (it was solid, un moving after it reached op. temp)

for those with input, we greatly appreciate it. others are not so friendly. in another post, i edited the screenshot of the search button (which i thought was pretty funny ) and was called a a$$hole. oh well, c'est la vie.......

oh..when we made the appointment, the service dept said that the extra 1/2 quart shouldn't do damage.....well, it is still under warranty for 3 more years.

msrecant

The manual transmission is not pressurized. The RX-8 shop manual transmission oil inspection procedure is:

1. Position vehicle on level ground.
2. Remove oil filler plug.
3. Verify that the oil is near the brim of the plug port.

OTOH, it doesn't hurt to have the dealership do the work and I have not heard anyone indicate that a transmission would be hurt by over filling.

Glad you are enjoying the RedLine MT-90. It really makes a difference, doesn't it!

rx8cited

LOL ........... I'd really like to know what this "mechanic" is talking about? How many drinks had he put down when he said this?

rx8cited

pret

our friend has not worked on rx-8's. he is a general mechanic (oil changes, suspensions, intake/exhausts, etc..), and i beleive he was just erring on side of caution. he admits he is not familiar iwth the 8. that is why we were inquiring with the 'experts' (members of this forum). thanks again!

msrecant

Earlier in this thread there were some questions about pumps for installing the transmission or differential oil. Here are some pictures I took but never posted.

First is the pump itself. I believe it was $3 or $4 dollars when I bought it.

msrecant

Here is a picture of using the pump to install the oil in the transmission.

msrecant

When you are done, the pump can be used to move the old oil into the empty bottles so you can take it to an oil recycle center.

pret

mscreant, that is really nice pump! Thx for the photos. had the vehicle looked at, it was filled to the filler plug. don't know where the dealership got 2.5 qts from, maybe they DID slosh it on the floor. lol. at least it is not in the tranny. thx again to all for ur comments!

rx8cited

Glad you got that all straight.

I'm looking to learn something new to add to my trivia list from your "mechanic" friend . Please ask him what brand/model cars he knows of that have a pressurized manual transmission system?

rx8cited

pret

how about hondas, automatics? r they pressurized?

like i said earlier, he means well, its always good to have another opinion. we take all opinions, even informed ones from the members with a grain of salt. then make a decision. there are alot of knowledgable ppl here on the forum, and we have learned alot. my hubby followed diy for foglight re-wires, oil cooler grills, etc..real minor stuff.

there is alot of good info on the internet, but like any other medium, tv, newspapers, etc,, you can't believe everything you read!

lot of good ppl here on this forum.