Cranks normally but not starting - wet distributor cap?
 

Hello,

I have a 2004 6-speed with 65k miles. I've recently moved to frigid Michigan from warmer Virginia. I'm normally a very easy driver with my RX-8 with the goal of saving gas money.

The spark plugs were replaced at 41k miles and battery replaced at 63K miles.

Last Thursday I started the car just to move it and then shut off the engine after 30 seconds (which I've never done before). It started to rain the day after, and then I was unable to start on that day or since.

So after reading these forums it seems like a engine flooding issue; however, I was unable to start after trying the simple procedure in the RX-8 manual. If I turn the key, then step on the throttle, I can hear the engine grumbling a little the tact never reads above 1-hundred RPM. Don't know what this means.

So I was wondering could there be a problem with moisture getting into the distributor cap? But I have trouble finding any info about this on the net. Can anyone help? Are there info anywhere on DIY replacing them?

Thanks

We don't have a distributor. Direct coils for each plug. Probably flooded. You may have to check on other DIY options for deflooding or take it to the dealer to get it deflooded.

Never shut down a rotary engine cold. That CAN lead to a flooding condition which is probably your problem. The literature that comes with the car tells you that. You'll find info on the attached pamphlet that deals with recovering from a flooded engine.

Thanks - I suspected that RX-8s don't actually have a distributor.

I saw this TSB:
http://www.finishlineperformance.com...5-08-1883f.pdf
And I saw some DIY thread on removing spark plugs - which in my situation may be a hassle and dangerous (I park on RX-8 on the street).

I was wondering is it safe to push-start the RX-8? I see conflicting information between the forum and the car manual...

And if I do get it push started - after letting the engine reach normal operating temp and shutting it should not cause any trouble anymore, yes? So I don't need to drive it to a shop?

Thanks

Keep an eye on performance. Plugs may be partially fouled. Also, a flood CAN mess up your catalytic converter which will have a negative impact on performance.

So if I can push-start my car, should I still go to a shop and have the spark plugs and catalytic converters inspected?

Thanks

Try starting the car according to the instructions in the pamphlet I posted or according to the directions in your owners manual. Run through the process at least 3 times before giving up and attempting to PULL start the car. The proces WILL work if you do it correctly and give it a few trys. After you get the car running, just look for a significant drop in performance. If all seems normal, don't bother taking it to the dealer. Hope that there is no noticable drop in performance since the dealer will probably not replace plugs and converter under warranty since you are well out of the bumper-to-bumper warranty.

AFAIK, the extended warranty does not cover flooding repairs. But, if you have a really good dealer service manager, he/she might do it anyway. Possible, but unlikely. And you will not believe how much a new cat will cost. :(

If you push start the car you should be good to go. Just warm it up and drive it around. You can then check and clean the plugs at your convenience if needed.