~)(

I drive an '05 MT/GT model with a little over 3K miles on it, and I'm experiencing weird noises at certain RPMs. The noise it makes is noticeable at WOT; it sounds like some sort of metallic vibration. The sound occurs between the following RPM ranges: 6000 and 6250; 7000-7500; and 8000+. I can sometimes it between 3000-4000, but it's very subtle. I started hearing the sound sometime after the break-in period. (The car has had its 1st oil change at 1500 mi.)

I took the car to my dealer for servicing and performed a test drive with one of the mechanics. The mechanic couldn't hear it at first, but later he confirmed the noise (at 6000-6250 rpm) -- I did the driving. Anyhow, when I picked up the car, they didn't fix a thing; they gave me a piece of paper saying that its a "standard sound" for that engine and the cause of it is pinging. (It basically says that lower octane gasoline may cause higher pinging, and they recommend using only 91 octane or higher.)

Since I bought the car, (I'm the first owner) I have ONLY fed my car 92 octane gas from Chevron -- it doesn't get much better than that. Personally, I find their diagnosis to be a load of crap. If it really is pinging, how come I can reproduce the sound EVERYTIME single time? I'm taking the car back in on Thursday to have them check this 'noise' problem again, but I would like to point out a few possibilities to them. (I've installed the REVi intake and ram air since the last visit to the dealer, and I can still repro the sound. I hope they don't point at the intake and say: "Well, I see you've been f***ing around with your car ... that's the problem! Screw you! ... void warranty ... have a nice day!"

I would like to also add that when the car is idle, it also makes a weird noise (kinda like pistons moving -- but wtf?). This only happens when the engine is very warm.

Have any of you had this problem or can someone provide some insight as to where the problem may be? Thanks.

8is>enuff

Where's Zoom? I think you need to read the S-DIAS thread. Or is it S-DAIS.

8is>enuff

S-DAIS
https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...&postcount=153

And your dealer is a moron. They shouldn't send you home with a pinging engine.

smrx8

iTrader: (1)

i would take the revi back out and replace the car back to normal they will findany excuse so they dont have to fix it

Red Devil

But the intake tracts don't make a "pinging" sound at their designated rpms. Though the mention of 6250rpm does match.

~)(

I haven't ruled the S-DAIS as the cause of the problem. I'm seeing the rattle starting at 6000 rpms and ending (sort of) at 6250 or so rpms, and then reocurring at higher rpms. Interestingly enough though, I ONLY hear the problem when I'm at WOT. Ideas?

About the dealer... Yeah, I have the same feeling; I don't think my dealer really knows squat about my rotaries. When I brought the car in last time, I told them to update my flash to the latest version. They guy was like: "What? Pauses... Oh yeah, we just got a software update last night. But... wait, how did you know about that?" I told them that I've been reading constantly online and I instantly lost credibility with the guy. What the hell? I understand that the majority of us are somewhat ignorant when it comes to servicing engines, etc. but there are a few people on the forums that really know wtf they are talking about. Also, people share feedback from what dealer mechanics have said in the past -- maybe that's why we sound like morons sometimes? :D Interestingly enough, they still don't know squat about recalls for my car. So how is it that I'm more informed when it's clearly their job to do so?

8is>enuff

I was just trying to make you aware of it as a possibility. There's a whole bunch more reading about it somewhere on here.
Anyway, I hope you find the cause. Good luck.

Blue87Sport

Which dealer did you take the car to? The general consensus of the NW area is that University Mazda has the most qualified service techs.

Try searching the S-DAIS threads. I recall reading that when the various doors/flaps in the intake are actuated, there is momentary turbulence that results in a slight power dip. I believe that some people reported a noise as well. It may not be the same noise as you are experiencing but the RPMs where you hear is very suspicious.

Sigma

It could just be a rattle.

My Mazda3s made a very similar sounding noise (judging by your description) and it was 100% reproducable over 75% throttle at very specific RPM points to varying levels of volume. Turns out is was a problem with the muffler. At certain frequencies it would resonate just so and create a odd metallic vibrating noise. The replaced the entire exhaust system and no more sound.

I could have swore up and down it was the transmission or something on the drivetrain at least. It sounded like it was coming from right under the center console. But I wasn't even close.

truemagellen

there is NOTHING wrong with your car...and it is NOT pinging

this sound is normal and is a certain 'tone' that occurs at hi-revs...all of the MTs do this...it is a sweet sound :D

as for the piston sounding noise...if u have the AC on u will definitely hear it more often and louder...just the engine keeping the rpms up for A/C functioning

Don't worry

but yes your dealer is an idiot...they shouldn't have told u it was pinging...no worries :D

as for the Revi...keep it, once I have time in a week or so I'll install one myself :D

~)(

I bought my car from Lee Johnson Mazda/Chevrolet. To be honest, the sales guys are horrible as well. Those guys really don't know anything about the car. I didn't know of any close by dealerships at the time; I just moved up here. The main reason I bought the car from there is because 1) They could get me the exact car that I wanted ('05 Titanium Gray, Red/Black interior, NAV, and little to no miles on it aside delivery miles); 2) They were willing to sell the car at invoice; 3) They were giving me a great deal on my trade-in vehicle.

I don't know why I bought the extended warranty from them -- maybe b/c it was fairly cheap and I knew I was going to be beating this car worse than any of my previous cars. However, I've taken an interest in mechanics recently and I somewhat feel that I can do just about anything to the car as long as I have the workshop manual(s), necessary tools, time, and of course this forum. I'm thinking about possibly asking for a refund on the extended warranty -- time will tell. Either way, I have a background in computer engineering and computer science, so I should be able to understand a thing or two about this car stuff. :D Besides, work has only been stressful to the point of depression.

army_rx8

^i'd avoid that dealership like the plague myself.

Ducky

My 8 is in the University Mazda right now for the lack of a 6th gear, they are pulling the tranny now, the guys are so far very nice and knowledgable... I felt good handing over my keys, unlike some other dealers... you know the feeling =)

Nubo

If you're using premium gas then "It's pinging, goodbye" is not a satisfactory answer from the mechanic.

zoom44

was the person you talked to a Mazda Master Tech? Was he the Mazda Service Manager?if not thats why he doesnt know. the dealership is a mixed dealership yes? so they have a lot of cars to worry about from different automakers. You only have one to think about. You are eager to find more info They only look for theinfo whenthey need it. Find a standalone deaslership. If you stay there find out who is in charge of the Mazda service and only talk to themfrom then on

the sound syou are hearing are quite normal- the sdais operation is more noticable under full load to some people as the changes are more abrupt. the idle noise is also normal. the car does some things when it drops to idle that change the way its operating for emissions and economy.

Fifth-gen

Another vote for the knowledge of the service department at University Mazda. They have done good work on my Miata for the past five years, and recently solved a mysterious glitch in our Mazda3. When I bought my RX-8, I had a good conversation with Paul, their rotary expert, about the Renesis and the 8 in general. He has been working on rotaries since the '70s and made me feel better about the car as well as Mazda's commitment to make it work properly. Drop by and see if they have some suggestions or can look at your car.

Lschiavo

My car sounds the same. But i have a turbo. When i go around 6K it sounds that rattle, like if an empty coke of can was crushing inside the engine. It is like a flap flap flap, metallic sound. I think it is pinging and I can hear it better when driving next to something (highway divider or another car). Never had that while stock.

zoom44

what you are hearing luis is different than what he is hearing

Lschiavo

ZOom how do u know it is not the same?

zoom44

I dont know for certain since i havent actually listened to the cars in question. but from my experience on thisboard and wiht this car it sounds to me like the starter of this thread is hearing normal operation of this car not pinging. you on the other hand sound like you actually have pinging/knock.

silver1.3

I have the exact same thing - to the "t"!!!!!! I've always used 91+ Octane - I've just about given up worrying about it. Its a lease - I'll just hand it back when Im done :D

Nemesis8

iTrader: (3)

You need to interview your techs for their credentials. Only have a Mazda Master Tech work on your car. Demand it and nothing else. I searched and found that my tech is very knowledgeable about the rotary. He has been working on them for decades. I also sourced out a former Atkins Rotary engine builder who I bounce things off of and use for small jobs.

You car does not sound like it is pinging - it's the intake working as it should. It's a very complicated setup. WOT on this PCM is pig rich - thus no way to ping your car.

zoom44

every rx-8 makes certain "weird" noises at certain rpms that are due to the car operating PROPERLY.

infotron

Serious Knock is no BS - see this thread