wpb599

I have searched and found that octane might be a reason, but I was wondering if anyone else has to crank the engine over more than a couple of seconds to get it to start? This happens all the time for me. Key to acc position, wait for lights and whistles to stop, clutch all the way down and turn key. Takes a minimum of a couple of seconds before it catches. Most other cars I've owned catch quicker. Should I be concerned about this. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

rx8pilot

it sucks..but it's just a common thing on the eight.. i know how you feel though.i wish mine would start a little more positively too.

irish8

Nope. Normal. Don't worry about it. Also, don't forget to let her heat up before spirited driving. And, before shutting her down, rev the engine to 3k rpm's. This will burn up any oil still in the chamber.

- Irish

wpb599

Thanks for the quick replies. Glad to hear that I'm not the only one with the problem. I didn't realize that I had to rev to 3000 rpm before shut down. I'll definitely add that to my routine.
Once again, thanks.

irish8

wpb599...it's not a problem. It's normal for the rotary engine. I actually love the way the rotary fires up!!

Enjoy!!

- Irish

TheDosDog

A tech told me rotaries take longer to "catch" because they can't develop significant compression until oil reaches the apex seals. I would not call it a problem, just something unique to the rotary.

MI_FamilyMan

It's not a problem until it doesn't start, right?

rx8pilot

Unnecessary.... don't need to rev to 3000 before you shut down. just make sure your engine is good and warmed up before you shut down.. that's all.

m82492

My 05 does the same thing. It's completely normal.

rx8cited

I agree 100%. I don't rev on shutdown if the engine is warm and I've never flooded with 16 k miles.

rx8cited

Did you mean to say "burn up any fuel still in the chamber"?

CERAMICSEAL

I would imagine that on the latest flash (Computer update) there probaly is a safer (Lesser) amount of fuel available at crank up which would explain the longer crank time. If this is the case; which I'm reasonably sure of, then it's great and should have been this way from the start. We used to modify the fuel pumps of the 86 to 91 7s to prevent fuel from being available at the rail under pressure until start up for this same purpose.

E-brake

Exactly. I LOVE the way rotarys fire up. It's like a jet :D

rx8wannahave

I agree...I don't do that and I've had no issues. In the morning I crank her up, wait till the rpm's hit's 1.5K-1.4K...and then take off. You will not warm up the engine any faster than actually driving the car. Now, don't rev high while cold (I keep it under 4K while cold) but it only takes me .5-1.5 miles for the little rotary to warm up.

As many have told you: DON'T TURN IT OFF COLD!!!!

CASANOVA

mine takes awhile to start also,but it doesn't seem to be a problem.I learned the hard way, let it warm up and don't turn it off cold.

slllygrl10

Since my car flooded last Jan 05, I stopped the warmup procedure and since then I havent had any problem flooding. I'm sick of it.

rx8cited

Sick of what?