VT_RX8

I have forwarded information regarding this problem to a legal firm specializing in automotive class action lawsuits. Based on Mazda's apparent willingness to cover flooding under the extended warranty, this may play out years from now, after warranty expiration. Clearly, Mazda has admitted to a problem, evidenced by design modifications in the form of a stronger starter and larger battery, as well as the recall itself and the extended warranty. There is no mistaking this as a design issue and those affected by it could care less if it was the only way Mazda could market this engine in the US. Given the suggestions in this thread, there were and are alternatives to stranding owners, through some fairly simple design changes - potentially what Mazda has already incorporated along with fuel delivery profile changes. In any event, I will post a new thread if and when this becomes a reality.

VT_RX8

One of the reasons I bought the 8 is that I had an RX3 years ago and love the rotary. In the 14 years I owned the car, it never flooded once. Clearly, there is a significant difference in the Renesis design that has caused this problem, although it does appearRX7 owners have had the same problem to a lesser extent. I suspect this issue will play out with a huge class action lawsuit in Mazda's lap.

GaMEChld

^Coul you look into that whole clutch pedal snapping problem? Do you think that merrits a class action lawsuit? Mazda hasn't acknowledged that problem, offers no TSB for the issue, even though a bunch of people are having their clutch pedals snap off.

suz6964

rhjames, yep i'm in sydney and very much want to get onto this issue with Mazda Australia. I have an 04 with close to 70,000km and the problems in the last few mths is driving me nuts, the car just isn't fun anymore.
I'm planing on sending a fax to Mazda Australia head office in regards to ext war! and maybe online petion - got any ideas??

suz6964

To all those people in Australia or any other country that would like to help, I have started a petition to mazda Australia to get the extended warranty here in australia
please go to the petition below

http://www.gopetition.com/online/23393.html

or the new thread, RX8Club.com > Regional Forums > Australian Forum Petition to Mazda Australia, Extended Warranty 8 years/161,00km for Mazda 2003-20

rhjames

Let's see how the petition goes. I'm getting a service next week and I'll try to feel things out on whether they are planning anything for the problem.

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

Took my '8 out yesterday after having had it sit for two weeks (winter mode).

Although I had just barely warmed it before prior shutdown I neglected to also do the 10 second 3k rev I typically do.

It still started right up and I'm on the March '05 OEM Interstate battery.

Still floodless.

Foamy

I flooded my 2004 RX8 for the first time in 2 years - totally my fault.
Problem is I can't seem to get it running - tried the standard foot to the floor and crank, even used another car to spin the ting for 2-3 minutes - NADA!!
My shop says it may or may not be covered under warranty, the tow in is not.
Thiing is whatever the shop does, surley I can do ??
Does anyone know what tricks the shop will do to un-flood this RX8 that is different from the normal procedure??
Quick-start, remove plugs, ???

msrecant

The de-flood procedure is here:

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...5-08-1883f.pdf

Foamy

Hi msrecant - the old oil into the chamber trick eh?
Well, I'll try it
Thanks for the link..

GaMEChld

pull start it

rhjames

I read this - I can't even find the spark plugs!!! This is too complex for the average owner - who keeps a spare set of plugs???

The times I've had a service guy come to the car, they've pulled a couple of fuses - one would be the fuel pump - and run the starter motor until it smoked. Then replace the fuses and try again. This took a few cycles, and about 45 minutes. Also used an additional barrery.

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

Spark plugs are located around knee height on the drivers side of the engine, unless you live in Australia, then they are knee height on the passenger side, and upside down.

S

No. really - the ONLY 100% sure way is the tow start.
I've never flooded my '8, but my RX-3 used to flood often in the cold Canadian winters. NOTHING would get it going as easily as a tow for a hundred yards in second gear, engine spinning around 3k, worked every time.

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

And the rotors spin counter- (anti-) clockwise.

whataputt

My brother bought my rx8 new (2004) and I got it from him 1 year ago...he never had any trouble with it...regular service and oil (of course)...in the last year it did flood...classic cold start no-no flood sequence...$20 to AAA for tow and $117 to Mazda dealership (Apr 2008) (guys in Greensboro, NC are great)...only other service issues: new key fob for $114...you guys make me nervous...I have 50k on it now...and I'm just waiting for it to inexplicably explode at any moment...

That said I love my RX-8...(tears)...I rent cars all over the country and nothing compares to when I get home from out of town, de-plane and drive off for the 10 minute ride home from the airport..ahhhh...

I had 1978 RX-7 Limited (one of 3,000 sold USA) when in high school in 1985...it was very coolerest once the Hurst shifter my brother spun on for the gear **** was in place...goofy but fun.

We had 1980 RX-7 before that...neighbor cut my brother off in curve and totalled it...bro and neighbor were fine...but thought we'd lost a friend :-)

whataputt

...BTW...as I'm at 50k and no techie expert (just love the car)...any suggestions on servicing at this point...I guess I'd be more of an expert if I'd had the level of frustration some of you have had...but in hopes of avoiding problems I'd appreciate some basic service advice...or direction to a good post from the past on this board...thx.

whataputt

whoops...just remembered...I lied...my driver's side sunvisor came off in my hand the other day...suggestions on where to get new?

Paul Woodsford

Tow start, as already stated, 2nd gear 10 - 15 mph.
Works everytime.
This problem is due to lack of compression due to the oil in the rotary cylinder having been diluted. Injecting oil or a tow start to spin the engine fast enough to pump oil to the roter is the main cure.

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

That's a very apt description of the unique-to-rotary problem in getting it to restart once flooded. Of course the real problem is flooding it in the first place. If cold, hold the rev at 3k for 10 seconds prior to shutdown to clear out the excess unburned fuel (I know, we're on page 69 of this thread at this point, but good to remind none the less).

rhjames

OK - next time I'm upside down I'll look for them. Does this mean I have to get at them from under the car?

Next time I flood I'll try the tow start.

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

Jack up the driver's side front and remove that wheel. Here's an excellent sparkplug DIY: https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...spark+plug+DIY

(yes, Search is a wonderful thing)

rx8khan

k the first think u should try is pullin the fuel pump fuse crank it a few time put it back in and try to start if that doesnt work....u could try a push start although i dont like doing that myself i did it once and it worked.....but the best way to clean out the gas is to remove the plugs and the fuel pump fuse and crank it clutch in gas to the floor and crank for a few seconds 3-4 do this about 4 times then use a heat gun and try to dry it out some more just to make sure u shouldnt have to use it tho clean ur plugs replace them crank it once then replace the fuse and u should have ignition....try this and if ur engine is flooded its guaranteed to work unless ur plugs are still wet or ur battery is no good or something like that but if ur car was working good b4 the flood then this method should work....good luck to all (check out my vids i have on youtube @ www.youtube.com/walidrx8) leave ur comments lemme know what u guys think

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

That's too much work. Just pull start it.

GaMEChld

+1 for pull start

rx8khan

yea i know its easier but i just dont like it just a personal preffernce but yea i did push start it once it worked perfectly