Flooded it two months ago, should I still take it to the dealer?
 

I flooded my 8 about 2 months ago after I made the tragic mistake of backing it out of the garage and shutting it off in less than a minute. I used the deflooding procedure that I found on this site. I reved the engine and drove her around afterwards, trying to get rid of all the smoke. I noticed a slightly less crisp sound when reving since then, but thought it might have just been my imagination. It almost sounds like the engine is fluttering very very slightly when my RPMs are climbing. Is it possible that this may still be a result of when I flooded it? I am planning to take it to the dealership, but is the fact that I flooded it that long ago and didnt bring it in going to affect my warranty? Any help or advice would be appreciated.

(Just for extra info, I have no mods besides exterior, I have added two quarts of oil since then, it was about 65 degrees when I flooded)

Flooding can damage your plugs, and your description of a flutter sounds like compromised plugs.

I'm not really sure how your dealer will treat the situation, but I think it's best to tell them about the flood. They normally change out plugs and oil when cars flood. Otherwise, replacing spark plugs as a common maintenance item is most probably at your cost.

Tell them that the car flooded a month ago but that it's not starting properly AND you feel the engine fluttering.

They'll check the plugs and fix it if need be...no worries.

I have used plugs intended for the 93-97 RX-7 and they sounded less "crisp" like you describe. My guess is that your plugs are a little fouled. I would advise you to take the car back to the dealer and be sure that you have the "M" flash and a fresh set of plugs installed. That should ensure little chance of flooding in the future.

CRH

I have flooded my car twice what a pain in the ass.. and i didnt know u could get it back started?? anyways i had my towned mazdas expense both times. ITS ALL UNDER WARRENTY WORK.. I didnt pay a dime.. only problem was it took all day to to deflood.. i think once its flooded ur plugs a screwed and that prolly ur problem.. im curious how u get it started after its been flooded.. i almost sold my car cuz it pissed me off so bad the second time.. so now im extra careful...

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...light=flooding

Here is the startup procedure. I've heard it doesnt work for everyone but it worked for me.

thanks mike useful in fo. hope i never need to use it..

The answer is yes, as recovering from a flood is more than just getting the engine started again.

If you check the "Engine cranks - no start" TSB, they unconditionally do the following:

- Check the battery and replace it if it is not up to spec
- Reprogram the PCM with the latest update
- Confirm the engine in not generating error codes
- Confirm that the Catalytic converter has not been damaged

Beyond that, if Repair Procedure A doesn't work then then replace the spark plugs with new ones. While the TSB does not dictate an oil/filter change, this is often done in the case of a rotary flood.

Although not mentioned in the TSB, if your car floods repeatedly, they will also replace the starter.

Bottom line assuming it is logistically feasible, and although it's a big pain, there are some advantages having your car towed to the dealer to be de-flooded under warranty.