What Broke, Busted, Leaked or Worn out on your RX-8?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,880
Likes: 340
From: Australia
Oh good, do we get to start pointing out that the cat failure and flooding were from your ignition failure? Which normal maintenance would have taken care of.
Or an issue like #25. Every OEM rotor out there short of exotics or insanely expensive cars will have rusted rotor hats. Every single last one. It's a simple matter of the properties of corrosion that apply to the metal of rotors. If this is really a problem for you, there are solutions to avoid it, but expect to have to resolve that on every other car you own.
Or just buy steelies, so you never see it again.
Don't get me wrong. There are PLENTY of things that can fail on the RX-8. But we have a problem with people perpetuating myths about certain aspects of our car, and that's what we seek to prevent the spread of. Preferably through educating you. Actually, we prefer to educate the owners before they buy so they don't have to learn about stuff the hard way, but some people avoid that attempt.
Or an issue like #25. Every OEM rotor out there short of exotics or insanely expensive cars will have rusted rotor hats. Every single last one. It's a simple matter of the properties of corrosion that apply to the metal of rotors. If this is really a problem for you, there are solutions to avoid it, but expect to have to resolve that on every other car you own.
Or just buy steelies, so you never see it again.
Don't get me wrong. There are PLENTY of things that can fail on the RX-8. But we have a problem with people perpetuating myths about certain aspects of our car, and that's what we seek to prevent the spread of. Preferably through educating you. Actually, we prefer to educate the owners before they buy so they don't have to learn about stuff the hard way, but some people avoid that attempt.
A-MEN...
I would also like to see at the very first sentence of this excellent thread...
"New Owners.."NEVER purchase ANY Rotary Engine car(s) If you drive less than 20 minutes one way!..NEVER""
90 percent of issues are from 'lack of' engine use, running too cold and not enough higher hot RPM....
A-MEN...
I would also like to see at the very first sentence of this excellent thread...
"New Owners.."NEVER purchase ANY Rotary Engine car(s) If you drive less than 20 minutes one way!..NEVER""
90 percent of issues are from 'lack of' engine use, running too cold and not enough higher hot RPM....
I would also like to see at the very first sentence of this excellent thread...
"New Owners.."NEVER purchase ANY Rotary Engine car(s) If you drive less than 20 minutes one way!..NEVER""
90 percent of issues are from 'lack of' engine use, running too cold and not enough higher hot RPM....
if they use 0/5w/50 ... then everything should be fine
I use 20w50, BITE ME BITXHES!
Now it just slams itself open.
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 188
Likes: 1
From: Spain
Some people call items like these 'problems', others call it 'charcter'! All depends on whether you're a 'glass half empty or full' kind of person.
If you want a car to be a domestic appliance, go buy a Toyota hatchback (shudder). For me, I see a car like this as not just transport but a hobby.
BTW, i'm British and was initially confussed about 'rust on rotors', here we call them disks and with an RX8, I thought he ment in the engine for a moment!!
If you want a car to be a domestic appliance, go buy a Toyota hatchback (shudder). For me, I see a car like this as not just transport but a hobby.
BTW, i'm British and was initially confussed about 'rust on rotors', here we call them disks and with an RX8, I thought he ment in the engine for a moment!!
Momentum Keeps Me Going
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,036
Likes: 5
From: Colorado
ANY car driven, for example, 'not much' at a time is deemed to be in one type of "severe service" and this goes double for a rotary that thrives on high temps/high revs to clean its rotor chambers and minimixze deposits as well as keep oil/water condensation to a minimum.
Dosn't make it impossibe to have a rotary under those conditions, but any potential car owner would be wize to consider getting the correct tool for the job at hand.
Dosn't make it impossibe to have a rotary under those conditions, but any potential car owner would be wize to consider getting the correct tool for the job at hand.
Originally Posted by 'AAA"
Vehicle manufacturers vary slightly on how they identify severe service driving, but AAA's study asked motorists if they frequently:
Drive on short trips less than 5 miles in normal temps or less than 10 miles in freezing temps.
Drive in hot weather stop-and-go traffic.
Drive at low speeds of less than 50 miles per hour for long distances.
Drive on roads that are dusty, muddy or have salt, sand or gravel spread on the surface.
Drive on short trips less than 5 miles in normal temps or less than 10 miles in freezing temps.
Drive in hot weather stop-and-go traffic.
Drive at low speeds of less than 50 miles per hour for long distances.
Drive on roads that are dusty, muddy or have salt, sand or gravel spread on the surface.
As a token of my appreciation for all those who assisted me in fixing the many problems this car has, I shall part with the following:
A list of ridiculous issues or things that failed on my RX8 since 2004.
I think the fuel pump, clutch, engine, and cat were on their way out as well.
A list of ridiculous issues or things that failed on my RX8 since 2004.
I think the fuel pump, clutch, engine, and cat were on their way out as well.
and I am loving it!!!
Please tell me this is a joke, and if not this thread is a prime example of how people who don't have a passion for cars probably shouldn't own the cool ones period!
It's the "average joes" that have been content their whole lives driving their corola's or outbacks that suddenly decide to buy a sports car like the 8 that give it a bad rep. They get all butthurt that stuff breaks and deem this unacceptable because their civic ran for 5 years without even opening the hood. Mavericks response is fail and actually kind of makes me mad.
It's the "average joes" that have been content their whole lives driving their corola's or outbacks that suddenly decide to buy a sports car like the 8 that give it a bad rep. They get all butthurt that stuff breaks and deem this unacceptable because their civic ran for 5 years without even opening the hood. Mavericks response is fail and actually kind of makes me mad.
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 236
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From: New Jersey
Please tell me this is a joke, and if not this thread is a prime example of how people who don't have a passion for cars probably shouldn't own the cool ones period!
It's the "average joes" that have been content their whole lives driving their corola's or outbacks that suddenly decide to buy a sports car like the 8 that give it a bad rep. They get all butthurt that stuff breaks and deem this unacceptable because their civic ran for 5 years without even opening the hood. Mavericks response is fail and actually kind of makes me mad.
It's the "average joes" that have been content their whole lives driving their corola's or outbacks that suddenly decide to buy a sports car like the 8 that give it a bad rep. They get all butthurt that stuff breaks and deem this unacceptable because their civic ran for 5 years without even opening the hood. Mavericks response is fail and actually kind of makes me mad.
PS must be nice to have an R3. Try owning an 04 for 8 years.
Last edited by maverick02; Jan 24, 2013 at 03:34 PM.
any first year model car will ALWAYS suffered most of the problems. So I understand why some owners are pissed about it, and it's totally understandable.
even my 05 had some problems, lucky I am the type of person who does not give up, to me, each problem is a way to learn new stuff, so fixed them one by one with my hands. and I didn't even know **** about cars before I got my 8. so I gotta thank the 8
even my 05 had some problems, lucky I am the type of person who does not give up, to me, each problem is a way to learn new stuff, so fixed them one by one with my hands. and I didn't even know **** about cars before I got my 8. so I gotta thank the 8
1. 2 Front wheel bearings
2. Tire pressure senor
3. Lower intake manifold
4. SSV
5. Radiator temp sensor
6. Passenger side sun visor
7. Alternator
8. Manual shift ****
9. Passenger dash cover
10. Passenger Air bag (not wreaked)
This month I will be replacing the tires, brakes, and shocks.
2. Tire pressure senor
3. Lower intake manifold
4. SSV
5. Radiator temp sensor
6. Passenger side sun visor
7. Alternator
8. Manual shift ****
9. Passenger dash cover
10. Passenger Air bag (not wreaked)
This month I will be replacing the tires, brakes, and shocks.
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 236
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From: New Jersey
any first year model car will ALWAYS suffered most of the problems. So I understand why some owners are pissed about it, and it's totally understandable.
even my 05 had some problems, lucky I am the type of person who does not give up, to me, each problem is a way to learn new stuff, so fixed them one by one with my hands. and I didn't even know **** about cars before I got my 8. so I gotta thank the 8
even my 05 had some problems, lucky I am the type of person who does not give up, to me, each problem is a way to learn new stuff, so fixed them one by one with my hands. and I didn't even know **** about cars before I got my 8. so I gotta thank the 8
Last edited by maverick02; Jan 24, 2013 at 10:19 AM.
I didn't directly read the requirements. But here are mine in order:
Driver side engine mount - replaced.
Catalytic converter - replaced.
Carpet wear where the heel rests below gas pedal - left alone.
Rear cup holder cover - left alone.
Passenger side rear window latch - Jerry-rigged.
Driver side sun visor - Jerry-rigged.
Hole on the shift boot - left alone.
Tab for the sliding center console door - Jerry-rigged.
Broken top radiator nipple - replaced.
Coolant sensor - unplugged.
Haze on headlights - buffed.
Water/condensation in the taillights - replaced and fixed.
Worn trunk rubber weather seals - left alone.
2004 Key FOB - replaced with a switchblade.
Latch for glove box - Jerry-rigged.
Clutch braket - replaced.
Clutch release bearing - replaced.
Driver side door lock striker spring(not actuator) - Jerry-rigged.
Sticky, front-left brake floating rods - fixed.
Starter - replaced.
Passenger side auxilary (small) bulb next to the high beam - replaced.
OEM Engine - replaced.
Coolant reservoir(expansion tank) - replaced.
OEM Upper coolant hoses - replaced.
Driver side seat warmer - left alone.
MAF/IAT sensor - fixed
Air Solenoid Valve(P2259 CEL) - replaced.
Top coolant return tube from the thermostat to the reservior - Jerry-rigged.
High-mount (third) brake light harness - fixed.
Driver side engine mount - replaced.
Catalytic converter - replaced.
Carpet wear where the heel rests below gas pedal - left alone.
Rear cup holder cover - left alone.
Passenger side rear window latch - Jerry-rigged.
Driver side sun visor - Jerry-rigged.
Hole on the shift boot - left alone.
Tab for the sliding center console door - Jerry-rigged.
Broken top radiator nipple - replaced.
Coolant sensor - unplugged.
Haze on headlights - buffed.
Water/condensation in the taillights - replaced and fixed.
Worn trunk rubber weather seals - left alone.
2004 Key FOB - replaced with a switchblade.
Latch for glove box - Jerry-rigged.
Clutch braket - replaced.
Clutch release bearing - replaced.
Driver side door lock striker spring(not actuator) - Jerry-rigged.
Sticky, front-left brake floating rods - fixed.
Starter - replaced.
Passenger side auxilary (small) bulb next to the high beam - replaced.
OEM Engine - replaced.
Coolant reservoir(expansion tank) - replaced.
OEM Upper coolant hoses - replaced.
Driver side seat warmer - left alone.
MAF/IAT sensor - fixed
Air Solenoid Valve(P2259 CEL) - replaced.
Top coolant return tube from the thermostat to the reservior - Jerry-rigged.
High-mount (third) brake light harness - fixed.
I have the B coils and I'm close to 45,000 miles; plugs and wires at 7,900 miles. Am starting to feel it needs to be changed these past hundred miles. Or may be it's my fuel pump
Last edited by Grace_Excel; Feb 2, 2013 at 06:40 PM.
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 35
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From: Gurnee, IL
I've had mine for 45 days now and have replaced the following:
Coils
Plugs
Wires
SSV solenoid
Alternator
Starter
Cleaned and RTV'd the MAF
Pads
rotors
Replaced missing rear pad shims
Gas cap
Clutch Master Cylinder
Today the brake switch breaks after finishing the starter and alternator. I think my 8 hates me.
Coils
Plugs
Wires
SSV solenoid
Alternator
Starter
Cleaned and RTV'd the MAF
Pads
rotors
Replaced missing rear pad shims
Gas cap
Clutch Master Cylinder
Today the brake switch breaks after finishing the starter and alternator. I think my 8 hates me.
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
I've had mine for 45 days now and have replaced the following:
Coils
Plugs
Wires
SSV solenoid
Alternator
Starter
Cleaned and RTV'd the MAF
Pads
rotors
Replaced missing rear pad shims
Gas cap
Clutch Master Cylinder
Today the brake switch breaks after finishing the starter and alternator. I think my 8 hates me.
Coils
Plugs
Wires
SSV solenoid
Alternator
Starter
Cleaned and RTV'd the MAF
Pads
rotors
Replaced missing rear pad shims
Gas cap
Clutch Master Cylinder
Today the brake switch breaks after finishing the starter and alternator. I think my 8 hates me.
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Gurnee, IL
I got the 8 for $7000. A 2004 blue GT 1 owner from Texas.
Solenoid was about $100
Brakes and rotors $400ish. hawk HP+
Alternator ands Starter are $250 after core @ Napa
coils and plugs and wires were something like $300ish
tires were $700 and suck coney ***** for autox
Master Cylinder was $108 at Rosenthal Mazda
Brake switch will cost me $20
I guess I have $9k into this beauty. I have to say, I hope the wear items are finished , its getting annoying. Everything has been very easy todo, with the exception of bleeding the clutch . WTF Mazda! My miata and FD are easy, but not the 8.
Solenoid was about $100
Brakes and rotors $400ish. hawk HP+
Alternator ands Starter are $250 after core @ Napa
coils and plugs and wires were something like $300ish
tires were $700 and suck coney ***** for autox
Master Cylinder was $108 at Rosenthal Mazda
Brake switch will cost me $20
I guess I have $9k into this beauty. I have to say, I hope the wear items are finished , its getting annoying. Everything has been very easy todo, with the exception of bleeding the clutch . WTF Mazda! My miata and FD are easy, but not the 8.
V8 Traitor
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 600
Likes: 5
From: Abingdon, Harford County, MD
2004 6MT 99k miles (almost there...)
Oil cooler lines, leaking due to rust, wrapped in f4 tape and threw a hose clamp on it, holding just fine
Catalytic converter, first stage before the sensor was completely disintegrated, got a stock one with less than 1000 miles use from a friend to replace it for basically peanuts
differential, from a wrecked R3, not that anything was wrong with mine, this was a 'because race car' mod
Other than that just wear items...
Shocks oem replacement
Brake pads oem replacement
Tires direzza z1 star specs...annually
Battery-red top
Tons and tons of gas and oil
Oil cooler lines, leaking due to rust, wrapped in f4 tape and threw a hose clamp on it, holding just fine
Catalytic converter, first stage before the sensor was completely disintegrated, got a stock one with less than 1000 miles use from a friend to replace it for basically peanuts
differential, from a wrecked R3, not that anything was wrong with mine, this was a 'because race car' mod
Other than that just wear items...
Shocks oem replacement
Brake pads oem replacement
Tires direzza z1 star specs...annually
Battery-red top
Tons and tons of gas and oil