SEANMAC777

iTrader: (1)

Ok, Ive searched, but cant find anybody with the exact same problems as me. I have an 04 6spd rx8.

The other day, I was driving on the on ramp of the highway and had a misfire. No, big deal, I ordered plugs and wires thinking that would solve the problem. Put the new plugs in the other day and it ran good for awhile.

Then the next morning, right upon startup, the engine coolant light came on and the engine ran really rough for a minute or so, almost as if it was misfiring again, then it came out of it. The first time it left the engine light on so I went to autozone and they said "misfire in cylinder two."

I have the wires on the way, I think they should be here tomorrow, so I will try that, but the weird thing to me, is everyday,right when I start up after it has sit for a long time (overnight) the coolant light comes on. A couple times the engine light flashed, but mostly its just the coolant light now.

Then....to top off my bad week with the car, I tried to start it this morning and the same thing happened....rough start, terrible idle, coolant light for a minute or so, then ran fine... I went to work and when I went to leave, my battery was dead...I charged it for 6 hours and it still didnt want to start but it start fine when I jump start it.

So after all this....I guess my question is what should I do? I put new plugs in, the wires will be here tomorrow(supposedly) and I will put them in. And I ordered an Optima Yellow-Top battery. Also, I will go get some Prestone 50/50 mix tomorrow and add it as well. Is one of these items causing all or this stuff to go wrong? Is this the sign of the engine failing? Or am I just having a shitty week?

xun4gvn4everx

iTrader: (2)

Did you check your current battery and alternator before ordering the new one?

SEANMAC777

iTrader: (1)

I put it on the charger, and it has an amp meter built in...and it only read 5

xun4gvn4everx

iTrader: (2)

does your charger put the battery under load when measuring?

xun4gvn4everx

iTrader: (2)

Also, what year, how many miles, and does your car lag power at high rpms?

xun4gvn4everx

iTrader: (2)

And, did you reset your ECU after installing new plugs?

SEANMAC777

iTrader: (1)

Idk if it puts it under load...While its charging the needle moves. Its on zero til you put the cables on, then it goes to whatever the battery has, and slowly moves up as you charge it...thats about all I know about the charger...lol

its an 04/just turned 80,000 miles over/and yes I reset the ecu using the 20 brake pump.

plus, the battery was unhooked and the last time I jumped it the same thing happened.

xun4gvn4everx

iTrader: (2)

I see you are newer, so I take it you don't know the last time your battery was replaced. So, a good start (besides what you have done) is the battery. Under load basically means you turn your headlights on, put a volt meter up to your battery and then you will know the true output of the battery telling you if it is good or bad by the ouput. some battery chargers do it, some dont. doesn't sound like yours does. Personally, tho others may disagree, I know the brake pump technique works, but I don't trust it. I am an engineer and I know how tricky electricity can be, so I prefer the battery unplug technique. Unplug your battery, turn your headlights on, wait at least 15mins, then plug it back up. That will reset your ECU and drain all your capacitors.

xun4gvn4everx

iTrader: (2)

Unless this problem only happens at high rpms (which it sounds like it doesnt) then it is def an electrical problem, meaning: battery, coils, wires, etc... but nothing serious

SEANMAC777

iTrader: (1)

Ok. Ill try that in the morning, but even though I charged it all day, it wouldnt start. Should I drain it like you said, then jump it? or just test it without charging it?

xun4gvn4everx

iTrader: (2)

To me, sounds like your battery is toast. I would get the alternator checked at AutoZone just to make sure that it is okay while I am at it, but if you charge a battery all day and it doesn't want to start, it's either your battery, coils, plugs, or wires. You alternator would not affect the initial start-up esp after a night of charging.

When is you battery due in?

xun4gvn4everx

iTrader: (2)

Forgot to mention, your MAF sensor may also need to be cleaned. It tends to get gunked up, esp at your high mileage.

SEANMAC777

iTrader: (1)

Ok, I should get the battery on tuesday. The plug wires are supposed to be here today, but its pouring outside so I probably wont get them on...

I am going to order an AEM intake soon, so I was trying to hold off on cleaning the MAF til then so I didnt have to take it apart twice. Also I want to upgrade to BHR coils so I am saving for them, but wont be able to afford them for a bit..

Razz1

Don't buy the intake or put it on until you resolve the misfire.

Recheck the plugs, make sure they are not loose.

Are you loosing any coolant?

Any white smoke?

Maybe you crossed the plug wires. Recheck that.

RedRocket8

I would reset your ECU, make sure you have proper coolant levels. On a side note try to buy (dry gas) Chevron Techron Cleaner, my friend had rough idiling on his 8 and car would drive weird, put a bottle of this in on an nearly empty tank(as instructed), car runs beautifully. doesn't hurt to try. good luck

SEANMAC777

iTrader: (1)

I havent noticed anything that has leaked under the car, and I dont smell antifreeze when I pop the hood. Havent noticed any white smoke either.

I will recheck the plugs and make sure the wires arent crossed when it finally quits raining...

I will also try that cleaner. Is it safe for the rotary?

SEANMAC777

iTrader: (1)

Alright...just started the car up twice w/out having to charge the battery wtf??

Anyways, same thing...coolant light came on, and car sounded terrible.. wouldnt rev above 4k rpms...

After 45 seconds or so, coolant light came off, and car revved up like normal.

Also, I hear a faint sound, kind of like a clicking sound under the hood and I havent ever heard it before... Getting ready to put the plug wires on and see if that helps...

xun4gvn4everx

iTrader: (2)

I don't know about using the dry gas stuff. You are not suppose to put any additives in the gas for rotaries except premix. Might wanna ask one of the owners who have had their 8 longer and who might have a better idea about putting dry gas in.

RedRocket8

Yeah thats the first thing I asked to the guy at autozone, turns out he drives a Shinka 8. He said it safely removes the carbon, cleans the spark plug tips, and also gets rid of engine/fuel tank gunk.

I forgot to add this, it might not hurt to take it to the dealer and have them do a "ZOOM clean" even if costs you money, consider it if everything fails. best of luck

xun4gvn4everx

iTrader: (2)

Did you ever check your MAF as I suggested?

SEANMAC777

iTrader: (1)

Not yet...thats next on the agenda.

tubingchamp

iTrader: (3)

For the coolant light, fill up your coolant tank with distilled(MUST BE DISTILLED) water. You can fill er' right up to the overflow. I had a coolant light, this fixed it. Sometimes the sensor is funky.

tubingchamp

iTrader: (3)

Another thought:

Be sure that the coolant tank has a decent amount in it, and you're not ACTUALLY low on coolant..

SEANMAC777

iTrader: (1)

Ok....just put new plug wires on. Plugs were good and tight too. Put antifreeze in it, and cleaned the maf.

Now, the coolant light didnt come on, and it revved fine, but when i rev it up, as it comes back down, it doesnt sound right at all...kinda gurgles or sounds kinda like its bogging down...hard to explain.

Also, noticed there is white smoke coming out of the exhaust...a lot of it too...

any suggestions?

SEANMAC777

iTrader: (1)

Well, I'm reading in other threads white smoke means coolant in the engine and that means new engine?

Or is there a possibility of it being from something else?