SHSboy

I've already read the above post, but I still have questions. The other day, I was in the midst of test driving a Tiburon when I saw the RX-8. After returning the car to the dealer, we went to drive the Mazda. I loved the how the car drove, how it handled, the ride, etc. Then, I went to check for problems of the car and found four recalls for the 04. Should the recalls show up on a car fax, and if not, will the dealer automatically fix them? I know the dealer talked about the car already went through servicing, but a recall never appeared on the car fax. Also, flooding concerns me a tad. Would someone mind explaining me the difference between a rotary engine and an engine with pistons? Thanks for the comments and posts.

Also, how reliable is the car in your opinion?

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

This site should give you an understanding with Rotary engines:
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/rotary-engine.htm

Flooding is an "issue", but not that difficult to get used to. When you start your car, leave it on for a few minutes. Its recommended that you let it sit for 10 minutes or rev it up to 3K RPM for 3 minutes (correct me if I'm wrong). I've heard that people redline it before shutting it off. I honestly just wait until the engine is warmed up (referring to the temp gauge on the dash) and its been fine.
Just be careful when you give your car to a shop... make sure you inform them that they need to let the engine warm up before shutting it off.
Go48 posted a nice printable sheet that you can keep with the car and tape it to the dash when you take it into shops.
Its post #10 in this thread:
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-trouble-shooting-95/bodyshop-flooded-my-car-eerrrgggg-142229/

SHSboy

Well, I've read around, and it looks like as long as you warm your car up and rev it a little to 3k you'll be fine.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

The dealer can also show you all the recalls and TSBs that have been performed on that car. I once printed out a bunch of TSBs and took it to the dealer while it was still under warranty and they printed out a sheet of everything that was already performed.

SHSboy

oops, I feel like an idiot. That advertising got in the way, and I missed your post about flooding Jon. I really enjoyed driving the RX-8, and I'm sure that everything will work out. Thanks!

SHSboy

Also, what's considered cold for flooding, I live in Virginia, and It's rare if it ever gets below 0 Fahrenheit.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

Not completely sure what you mean... but I believe you are referring to when I said to allow time for your engine to "warm-up". Flooding can occur at any outside temperature. Doesn't matter if its 10 or 110 degrees, just give your engine some time to run before shutting it off.
I only mentioned the temp gauge because its almost like a measurement of time for me... when the needle is in the center, then I know I've had the engine running for a good amount of time and can turn it off without being flooding. Can you turn it off before the needle is centered... sure. But its a good reference for me.

tskeltonPGA

saying cold isn't referring to the air temperature...it's referring to the engine temperature...as long as your temp gauge shows you are warmed up you are good...mine gets a little below the middle of the gauge...i was also told to rev it to 3000 rpm and then turn it off...it has been starting up a tad bit easier since i began that practice as well

SHSboy

okay, I got my rx-8 and I'm loving the car. How long should I let the car warm up, and where should I let my needle go before driving it? thanks.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

Good to hear you like your 8.
You can start driving right away, just don't try to drive it hard (red-lining) for roughly 5-10 minutes (depending on outside temperature).
Going back to my previous post... thats when I personally use the temp gauge as a visual indicator that the engine is warmed up and I can be a little more aggressive with it.

SHSboy

I see, thanks for the answer. You only need to warm it up if you are going to back it up and turn it off, right?