View Poll Results: Have you flooded your Renesis?
YES
1,355
54.95%
NO
1,111
45.05%
Voters: 2466. You may not vote on this poll
Engine Flooding Info/Questions
Resu Deretsiger
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
From: United Kingdom, for now
They "fixed" it for now. Took then three hours from drop-off-to-pick-up. Replaced plugs and made it runable. Didn't have a new battery or starter on hand to throw in it, so they will order them. Mazda is off today due to the holidays, and the dealership said they couldn't even order parts because of that. So maybe in a couple of weeks I'll be better than normal.
Two thumbs up to Mazda's Roadside Assistance. I called at 0700, and at 0830 the flatbed left here for the dealer with my 8 on top. Actually got a confirmation call after talking to Mazda from AAA stating that a truck had been dispatched. All and all, it made me feel better about my mistake. Not going to happen again!
Two thumbs up to Mazda's Roadside Assistance. I called at 0700, and at 0830 the flatbed left here for the dealer with my 8 on top. Actually got a confirmation call after talking to Mazda from AAA stating that a truck had been dispatched. All and all, it made me feel better about my mistake. Not going to happen again!
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco Bay Area
when my 8 got flooded, they did not send a FLATBED truck, just regular one and I think the car was towed with the rear lifted up/ front down. I vaguely remember something certain vehicles require flatbed towing?
Taking the risk of asking a stupid question here: What is the problem with using a regular tow truck? (It would not be a RWD vs FWD issue or?)
My truck was sent by Mazda Roadside Assistence also..
Taking the risk of asking a stupid question here: What is the problem with using a regular tow truck? (It would not be a RWD vs FWD issue or?)
My truck was sent by Mazda Roadside Assistence also..
Registered
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: NJ
just got my 2004 8 back from service for flooding (covered under warranty) right now. When i got back my car today they told me they put in a new starter and new plugs. Interesting part is they told me they tested the battery and found it satisfactory, nothing was wrong with it. so they did not replace the battery for me which is a bummer cuz I did want it. 
Goh Mifune
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 850
Likes: 0
From: Green Oaks, IL
MadDashRX8, you got lucky. My car died December 30, 2003 and it was returned to me January 3, 2004 -- four days of sitting looking at it either in my driveway or in the dealership's parking lot. When it was returned to me, no new battery, spark plugs or starter. .. and they initially told me that they would have to charge me -- about $150, if I recall correctly. Eventually they did it under warranty, but it was a very frustrating few days.
Resu Deretsiger
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
From: United Kingdom, for now
Originally Posted by ptiemann
when my 8 got flooded, they did not send a FLATBED truck, just regular one and I think the car was towed with the rear lifted up/ front down. I vaguely remember something certain vehicles require flatbed towing?
Taking the risk of asking a stupid question here: What is the problem with using a regular tow truck? (It would not be a RWD vs FWD issue or?)
My truck was sent by Mazda Roadside Assistence also..
Taking the risk of asking a stupid question here: What is the problem with using a regular tow truck? (It would not be a RWD vs FWD issue or?)
My truck was sent by Mazda Roadside Assistence also..
Here's the page from the manual:
Resu Deretsiger
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
From: United Kingdom, for now
Fix complete
Took her in today to finish the job. Had plugs replaced 10 days ago, just to get her running again over the holiday break. Got the battery and starter replaced today. Boy does she start quick now! Sounds completely different, too! I'm very happy to have had this happen. No worries about flooding again now.
Also added a K&N Intake (thanks Santa!), and she sounds nothing like she did yesterday. As loud as that thing is, I've almost decided against getting an exhaust!
Also added a K&N Intake (thanks Santa!), and she sounds nothing like she did yesterday. As loud as that thing is, I've almost decided against getting an exhaust!
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
Long Term Effects
Been seeing alot of threads on the Flooding issue, and relation to failed Cats.
I think it may have been brought up before, but just for emphasis, if you continuously drive short distances but utilize proper shut down procedures and don't ever suffer flooding, what are the long term effects, especially on the cat converter?? I believe the fuel mixture is still rich in short distance driving, and even if it doesn't result in the plugs fouling up (& flooding), will the cat or other components wear out faster??
I think it may have been brought up before, but just for emphasis, if you continuously drive short distances but utilize proper shut down procedures and don't ever suffer flooding, what are the long term effects, especially on the cat converter?? I believe the fuel mixture is still rich in short distance driving, and even if it doesn't result in the plugs fouling up (& flooding), will the cat or other components wear out faster??
Hubble has been saved!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA
The fuel mixture is rich anytime the engine is started cold, whether the engine is destined to to warm up completely or whether the short trip procedure is followed. I would assume the CAT is designed to handle this as a normal circumstance (however I am not an automotive engineer).
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by msrecant
The fuel mixture is rich anytime the engine is started cold, whether the engine is destined to to warm up completely or whether the short trip procedure is followed. I would assume the CAT is designed to handle this as a normal circumstance (however I am not an automotive engineer).
Hubble has been saved!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA
Sounds like your question is what is the impact of repeatedly leaving a rich mixture to condense in the CAT ... a good question.
Can't believe it is any different for a piston engine ... a rich mixture to start with left to condense in the CAT. I would expect CATs to be designed to handle it but, again, I'm not an engineer.
Can't believe it is any different for a piston engine ... a rich mixture to start with left to condense in the CAT. I would expect CATs to be designed to handle it but, again, I'm not an engineer.
Hubble has been saved!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA
For anyone that is interested. TWO ROTORS has definitive info that the new starter is a 12volt unit. Check out:
https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...8&postcount=14
https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...8&postcount=14
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Primary
I'm quite sure this is a real problem. I've turned off ignition once when the engine was cold and... it flooded. I tried all the tricks mentioned here and elsewhere on the net and couldn't get it to start, even a week later.
Fortunately a local mechanic was able to remove and clean the plugs, and only then would my car start.
I've spoken to a few dealerships since. They're all familiar with it happening, two mentioned it happening on their own lots. This could be most common among the people who aren't active on the board?
What could Mazda do? I guess anything that would keep the engine running despite the drivers intention to shuit down the engine would be a fire risk? Perhaps a big panel light saying "Careful - Engine cold"?
Fortunately a local mechanic was able to remove and clean the plugs, and only then would my car start.
I've spoken to a few dealerships since. They're all familiar with it happening, two mentioned it happening on their own lots. This could be most common among the people who aren't active on the board?
What could Mazda do? I guess anything that would keep the engine running despite the drivers intention to shuit down the engine would be a fire risk? Perhaps a big panel light saying "Careful - Engine cold"?
so my question for those who flooded, what kinda gas where you using? the could be a reason although i dought it.
Hubble has been saved!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA
Have any late model 2005s Flooded?
Has anyone flooded an RX-8 that was built 4/2005 or later? If so, please post a message in the following thread:
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/have-any-late-model-2005s-flooded-80545/
Thank you!
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/have-any-late-model-2005s-flooded-80545/
Thank you!
Hubble has been saved!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA
Originally Posted by RedSheDevil
im curious, is it considered flooding if you dint have to have it towed? i was able to restart my using the dechoking procedure 3x already.
- Dechoke procedure from the manual (holding pedal to the floor)
- A more complex dechoke procedure (high speed tow, pulling plugs, injecting washer fluid or oil in the combustion chamber, casting chicken bones, etc
- towing to the dealer
.:. causing mischief
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 2
From: EVOLV-Chicago
well my build date is 06/03 so i wont post in the other thread. i have R flash and have flooded three times (twice from the "garage to driveway BAD BAD rx-8 owner" and once for no apparent reason)
all were fixed with 10-15 minutes of the dechoke procedure as described in the manual (pedal to floor). tho im wondering wtf that has done to my starter ...
all were fixed with 10-15 minutes of the dechoke procedure as described in the manual (pedal to floor). tho im wondering wtf that has done to my starter ...
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Off to get my 2004 Rx-8 tomorrow morning. Had the battery/starter/plugs upgrade. Have had a few hard starts and two frank flooding since new. Personally I think most RX-8 owners should push for the upgrades while the warranty is in place. Have two older RX-7s - never any flooding issues. Had a 1986 Rx-7 back in Canada - flooded it once. In this day and age - no new car owners should have ANY starting problems in the first five years - period.
Ride Naked!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 647
Likes: 1
From: Keizer, Oregon
Can I change my vote? After driving the car for 1 1/2 years I finally flodded it. Moved the car and shut it off. Three days later moved it again and shut it off. Next morning I had to use the procedure in the manual to get it going. I am lucky that my dealer already replaced my battery with the heavy duty one.
Hubble has been saved!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA
Originally Posted by zoom44
i posted the update here https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...chmentid=67575 nothign changed from the previous version except some of the warranty info
Remember, this is not a recall so they don't have to do it unless you bring the car in with the specific complaint addressed by the TSB (inability to start).
Hubble has been saved!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA
I'm lucky (?), if I let my 8 sit for 5 or 6 days it barely starts. Next week is my 30K service so, hopefully, I can convince them to do the starter/battery thing. The 30K service includes new plugs anyway and I have a 247 HP free-maintenance card.
I would be fine even if I had to pay for the battery, which I believe is not fully warranted for the entire 48 months/50 K miles.
I would be fine even if I had to pay for the battery, which I believe is not fully warranted for the entire 48 months/50 K miles.