HELP ME!!Rattling noise in exuast somewhere!

Sep 4, 2008 | 11:25 PM

sfsoldier14

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HELP ME!!Rattling noise in exuast somewhere!

I have the 04 Mazda rx8 4spd auto and it has around 64,000 miles on it. For about a month or two now i have been hearing a rattling noise when i hit higher rpm in 1st and 2nd.(usually between 5 to 8 thousand) My check engine light is on and runs a code for small fuel emissions leak....i also have severe lack of power at times too. the rattling doesn't happen every time i drive and it seems like that is causing the lack of power too...can anyone help me or am i sol.....?

Sep 4, 2008 | 11:36 PM

Jon316G

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Wow... I would suspect multiple issues here.
1) The rattling could be a heat shield.
Just this past weekend I found that the shield on my exhaust manifold was split and rattling against a transmission's bracket to the frame. Best thing to do is get under the car with someone revving it and feel around (with gloves on).
2) CEL for small fuel emissions leak is usually the gas cap.
3) Severe lack of power is usually time for new plugs/wires/coils and with you being at 64K miles, its very likely.

Now... its possible that ALL of these are related to a bad cat, but you would usually have a CEL code for the rear O2 sensor.

Sep 4, 2008 | 11:45 PM

sfsoldier14

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awesome. i was suspecting spark plugs and maybe a coil. The mechanic who ran the test on the check engine light said that it could be a hole in the exuast. I know its not my gas cap....unless it has a crack in it that could make the car pull those codes. I have cleaned my gas cap and the threading on the tank.

Sep 4, 2008 | 11:48 PM

Jon316G

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Once you tighten the gas cap, it'll take a few drive cycles to clear the code.
I just had to replace the gas cap on my '04.
Everything looked fine and I too cleaned it, but it went away after the new gas cap.
Never heard of a hole in the exhaust causing an emission leak.

Sep 4, 2008 | 11:52 PM

sfsoldier14

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looks like im just going to have to get underneath it. Is it pretty difficult changing the plugs, wires and coils on your own? I dont want to have to take it to a mechanic if i dont have to.

Sep 5, 2008 | 12:00 AM

Jon316G

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Easy to change out!
Here are a couple links from the DIY section that explains how to change out the plugs:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ighlight=plugs
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ighlight=plugs

Get the NGK plugs from Sparkplugs.com:
http://sparkplugs.com/results_app.as...1&AAIA=1416844

Sep 5, 2008 | 12:21 AM

sfsoldier14

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i checked out those links and thats something i am defiantly doing on my own.haha. Do you know much about the wires and coils? what and how much was it to replace or fix the rattling problem you had with the heat shield?

Sep 5, 2008 | 12:23 AM

sfsoldier14

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oh and also it only rattles while i am in drive and neutral...if that helps out at all

Sep 5, 2008 | 12:24 AM

Easy_E1

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From: Bellevue WA

Check the CAT.

Sep 5, 2008 | 12:42 AM

#10

Jon316G

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Here is a link for the coils:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ighlight=coils

Here is a link for the wires:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ighlight=coils

Far as the heat shield, I was too lazy to remove it to have it welded.
I just wrapped a piece of stainless steel wire around it.
And like Easy_E1 mentioned... check your cat too.

Now, all these links were found using the search function at the top.
This site has a wealth of information on this car, so utilize it.

Last edited by Jon316G; Sep 5, 2008 at 12:44 AM.