Flooded engine - really need new spark plugs?
 

I have tried the washer fluid method and pulling the fuel pump fuse but still no luck.

Looks like I will have to pull the spark plugs. Is it really necessary to replace them or will I be able to reuse them?

How much wear on the engine is there during a deflooding procedure? Is it a good idea to replace the starter or cat in the near future?

Deflooding an 8 is generally hard on the cat, and it certainly accelerates cat failure. 1 flood can do it, 2 or more probably will.

There is some wear on the engine during deflood, but not enough to worry about.

The best deflood method I have run into is this one here:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ht=deflood+DIY


The fact that you flooded means that something isn't strong enough in your ignition system:
Battery, Alternator, Coils, Wires, and/or Plugs.

If one of those fails, and it can accelerate the failure of the next item in line. Coils, wires, and plugs should be replaced every 30k. Battery and alternator should last a long time, although 2004s were weak from the factory.


Coils are ~$140 for all 4 from forum vendors ($200 to $350 from the dealer, plus $100-$300 labor)
Wires are ~$60-$100 from forum vendors, not sure about dealer prices
Plugs are $80 for all 4 from forum vendors, Amazon, and most autoparts stores. ~$90-$160 from dealers, plus $90-$150 in labor.

Changing them yourself is simple and encouraged.

If its a MT pull start it......

Occasionally, over time, your starter can wear out and cause the engine to flood. That happened to mine and so I replaced the starter with new one for $350 and it starts much quicker and easier now

Pulled the plugs, cleaned them off, cranked the engine over to purge gas out of the spark plug holes, put them back in and tried firing her up with no luck. I wasn't about to pull the plugs one more time so I sprayed some air intake cleaner into the intake and to my surprise she started up!

Anyways, I now have a slight grinding noise coming from the engine every time I start the car up. My guess is that the starter is on its way out. Any way to test the starter? How long will it last by the sounds of it?