AustinSBR

So for about a month or so my 04 RX8 has been grinding very loud when I accelerate at around 3-5k rpms. I always have my oil changed regularly at the dealership and was told everything was fine. Well finally while driving home from work it just died at a red light with no warning light, no check engine light, not over heated. But it wouldn't start, it would turn over and over but would fire. Well the dealership had it for about three days and replaced the ignition coils and this seemed to help the grinding noise although it was still there slightly.

But last friday i'm on my way home from the airport and as i'm passing a car at about 50MPH my car starts grinding louder than before and then shortly after dies again. I had it towed to the dealership and now there telling me that nothings is wrong.

Does anyone know what this could be?

Here is some info on my car:

2004 RX8
Automatic
47,000 miles
I don't use synthetic oil
Regular oil changes
No check engine light
Does not over heat (according to heat gauge)


Thank in advance for the help!

shaunv74

Ask them to check the motor for internal leak or compression loss. I'm not sure what is happening to you but if you're on your original motor it may need to be replaced under warranty. There is a recall that should have been performed and part of that is to test the engine to make sure it is performing up to spec. and replace it if it is not.

Look under the TSB thread to get the documentation for it.

If they say nothing is wrong then ask them exactly how the car dies at 50mph.

AustinSBR

Thanks, I did not know exactly how much leverage I have with them. The first time it happened they just replaced the ignition coils and told me it was fine.

But this time since I couldn't get it started at all there taking a little more time. I just got a call today and they are going to replace the plugs and wires and drive it to see if it makes a difference. It does not help that not there saying they can't find a problem. But its like I said, theres a reason I had it TOWED!

staticlag

sounds like a tranny problem, or maybe you blew a seal. does it roll in neutral?

AustinSBR

Yes it does roll in neutral, when it was trying to die I put it in neutral and tried to revive it. I don't think its a tranny issue only because it shifts normal its just the engine won't fire or stay running.

The only way I could describe the noise is to say its like, a chain came off of a sproket on a bike. Its very unusual, i've never owned a rotory engine before so I don't have the slightest clue what it is.

The first time they replaced the ignition coils it fixed it temorarily but not for long, almost as if that was just a result of the problem.

Hopefully they will call me today with more info.

Also i'm sorry for the newb question, but what/where is the "TSB" thread?

Old Rotor

Are you sure you don't have a detonation problem? What we call MIAC(Marbles In A Can sound). Look how a a minute fix got rid of mine.



https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/no-more-detonation-%2Amiac%2A-121249/

AustinSBR

I've actually suspected that fuel could be my problem but I never could see how fuel could actually cause a grinding noise. The dealer called me and told me it was ready and that all they did was replace the plugs and wires and synced my computer. I specifically asked if they performed a compression check and internal leacked check and he said they did and he would provide me with documentation.

I'll put super prem gas in and see if that makes a difference at all.

Thanks for the advice and links!

DOMINION

Sounds like you might be getting a new engine. Lets hope not.

AustinSBR

I'd be fine with getting a new engine!