My 2004 RX8 AT with 25,000 miles is having starting problems when warm/hot I am positive it is not a flooding issue.
Engine spins over just fine and I can hear it firing and trying to run, but it takes several seconds to "Catch" and run.
Once running there are no problems or lack of power etc.
This only happens occaisionally, but I feel it has been getting worse over the last few weeks.
About 3 months ago I checked plugs, they looked clean, I ran an engine carbon cleaner anyway (not much smoke came out).
Anyone any ideas how I can determine what the problem is?

Thanks

 

you need a new starter....04 starter are weak...im having the same issues as you

 

Yep, the starter and battery were upgraded by Mazda mid-2005 production run.

Amazing how many '04 and early '05 original owners were unaware of this free [at the time] upgrade.

 

Oh no way. I didn't know that and I've tried to keep up with this stuff... is this a warranty or recall item?

 

TSB (warranty) but now overcome by the end of the bumper-to-bumper warranty for the target group.

 

Thanks for the comments, but bad battery and starter do not fit with the symptoms, I should have given more information - Engine turns over just fine when trying to start. (I had a the new starter and new battery a couple of years ago). The problem is that the engine struggles to run when starting.
I have to keep the key turned for several seconds while it spins over. It fires intermittently before finally continuing to run.
My guess is low compression?? if this is correct what causes it and what's the fix

 

It could be the fuel pump/filter.

However, if it is low compression, and you're within the 8 yr/100k drivetrain warranty, you'll get a new (re-man'd) engine.

 

I doubt it's the fuel system because when it runs I can go 100+ MPH, if fuel was a problem I would think it would starve at those speeds.
Car is in the shop right now, tech's can't find any problems, because it starts just fine for them - Kinda like a toothache, it goes away when you make a dentist appointment.
They did not do a compression test?? - I asked for that to be done just to be sure, waiting for results...

 

My local MAZDA tech told me compression test is a 3-4 hour process and requires him to buy special equipment - His said that he did not think testing my RX for compression was worth all that effort ??
My RX starts most of the time, but about 20% of starts are very difficult (See my symptoms above)
How about one of the Rotary "Gods" chipping in some of their experienced opinions here please?

 

its hard to say when the condition of the engine is not given ie compression.
as for compression, its not that hard to do. if you could change spark plugs, you can do it.

 

Go to my profile and look at my posts. My symptoms were very similar to yours and my 8 is currently at the dealership getting a new engine.

 

3-4 hours??????? I think not

Find another dealer bud

 

LMA ******* O ! 3-4 hours ? wow !

Take your car run to another dealership as fast as your car can.

Buying special equipment is true. they will have to buy a compression tester which cost like 1500 bux. but all Mazda dealership should have it already, cuz its the same f-ing tester for YEARS~! (if he is talking about the Vacuum test tool, thats even worst, it cost only 25 bux! GOD!)

I wouldn't want to go into any dealership that doesnt even have the right equipment. (+ with dumbass tech like this)

For your problem, do you notice any smoke coming out of the exhaust at start up ? White,Blue/black ? anything ?

but it sounds like your seals are going bad anyway.