Having problems with my engine. Please help!
 

Hey guys, haven't been on this website in a looong time. Probably been over a year since I last posted. Glad to be back though!

I'm having a problem with the engine in my 8. I just took it out of the garage for the first time in 6 months. It's a 2004, with just over 85,000 miles. I don't know enough about engines to pinpoint the problem, so I was hoping I could get some insight here.

Now, I'm having two problems since I took my car out for the spring/summer. The first problem, is that my engine is cutting out when I drive. If my 8 is sitting still, I can rev the engine all the way to redline with no problems. It's when I get on the road that I get problems. I get to about 4500 RPMs, in multiple gears, and my engine will hesitate, but immediately kick back in, with more horsepower then it had in the lower RPMs. Lots more. It has happened a couple more times, in higher RPMs, but it wasn't nearly as big of a hesitation.

(I JUST put some engine cleaner today, so I'm hoping that helps improve the problem)

The second problem is my engine when it is idling. I don't feel like this is too major of a problem, but my car USED to idle at 1000 RPMs. Sometimes, ever so slightly, it will dip just barely below 1000. When that happens, I get a low rumble in my engine.

(Check engine light isn't on)

Hopefully someone knows what the problem is, I'd rather find the answer here instead of at a dealer. Thanks a lot everyone!

I'm having the same problem right now.
New plugs, coils and wires were first installed.
Problem still there.
Just had my SSV alve replaced today with the updated SSV valve.
Now she is bucking wildly anything above roughly 4K rpm when I go open throttle.
Re-setting the e-shaft now and will be able to drive her tomorrow to see if it dissapears.

Well, if that fixes the problem can you please post back in this thread? One thing I don't have right now is money, and knowing the exact problem would be much appreciated. Sorry your 8's giving you problems

OP try cleaning your MAF sensor and changing your air filter (especially after sitting for a while).
Speaking of which, did you use any fertilizer in your gas before storing? You may have bad gas...
Next, when was the last time you changed your spark plugs and coils?
Normal RPM at idle is 750-850, so no worries there.

I did NOT use any stabilizer. I was out of the country when my car got stored and forgot to specify. I've gone through a tank already, Just waiting for my next tank to run out since I used engine cleaner on the new one. I replace my spark plugs pretty regularly. The last time I replaced them was about a month before it was stored for the winter.

Yup...sounds like your SSV is hung up. There is a video around here somewhere on how to diagnose and I believe remove for cleaning.

here is that ssv thread link to the video
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-remove-ssv-beta-teaser-video-184663/

Can you explain the SSV to me?

Ooo...Jon updated it since last I looked. Go Jon Go!

It is part of the intake system that adjusts the amount of air that can make it into the engine. Because of it's location it can get oil from the oil breather tube that is attached to the UIM on it. When it gets heated by the engine over time it becomes sticky and will cause the SSV to stick either open or closed, most commonly after sitting for a period of time. When it gets stuck open you have too much air to fuel at low RPMs, whereas if it sticks closed you starve the car for air on the upper RPM ranges. Diagnosing the problem by Jon's steps isn't hard, I watched him do it, but doing the work to fix it isn't for the faint of heart.

^ What he says!

Just got mine fixed and sometimes it threw a CEL P2096 along side of the P2070 code.

Thanks a lot for the help everyone. Wishing I could get some more opinions, I unfortunately won't be able to maintenance my car until next week.

Keep us updated and let us know the outcome of it.

re-set the e-shaft sensor with the 20 brake pedal stomp.
No difference after that was done.
The tech suggested that perhaps the plugs were fouled up from all of the stalling.
Luckily I had 4 rplacement OEM plugs with me and had them installed.
Once again no difference. (I had cleaned the IAT sensor myself before all of this).
This car will hesitate and buck whenever you try and go open throttle, it will sometimes stay at 6K rpms and go no further, or maybe 5K or as high as 8K.
They have sent an email to Mazda tech support to see what to do next.
As well I had a complete powerloss coming home from the dealership, I pulled it over waited awhile and was ble to restart it and get er home.
Sorry if it appears I'm hijacking your thread.......jus keepin ya updated.

P.S. I have no CEL's coming up.

Haha, it's cool. We're having similar problems, might as well get it figured out together. Anyone know how much it'd cost roughly to have the SSV valve cleaned out? Not something I think I could do on my own

I wouldn't trust a normal shop to do it so that means off to the dealer where they will not clean the SSV but just straight up replace. I think I saw on here that they run a couple grand new. Do you have a good set of mechanically inclined locals?

SSV is about $300 through Mazda... install time is quoted at about 1.5 hrs...

The job took me about 8 hrs to do, mainly because I had never replaced one before; however, that said most mechanics at the dealership would probably charge you 3 hrs labor for install... so if you buy the part and get it done at the dealership you are looking at around $600. So it boils down to how valuable your time is...

If you do buy the SSV be sure to get the gaskets and bolts associated too. Just ask a mechanic at Mazda for the T.O. so you know what you need to buy... and what the job entails. It will help you make your decision.

And yes these symptoms do sound like you have a stuck open SSV. I'd inspect the hammer on the SSV prior to replacing to see if it is indeed stuck open. If not, and you have checked plugs, wires, coils, MAF, etc... try a compression test.

@OP

Follow Jon's DIY thread on how to check the SSV, APV, etc with handpumps, etc first to verify fault.

My SSV valve reacemnt came to just over $600 CDN.
It took thetech a good 3 hours to remove and replace it.
The updated SSV has much stronger spring attachment to it.

Here is a LIM for ya cheap...Seller is a local and is honest and fair...no scam here.

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-parts-sale-wanted-44/final-oem-part-give-away-214799/

I'm still waiting on the final word from Mazda today, but it looks like I'll be joining the "new engine club".

So it's official, the rear rotor is blown and Mazda has ordered me a replacement engine.
I don't if the following has happened to anyone but the tech was testing the cat all the way through the process and it was passing the tests including a visual inspection to see if it was clogged.
After the seafoam cleaning the rear rotor completely gave in and was showing little to no compression; however, the cleaning completely fried the cat and made it useless.
The dealership informed me that the cost of a new replacement cat will also be covered and not cost me a cent.
I was told before the testing that the cat was out of warranty and a new one would cost me full pop.
I'm very pleased to hear that Mazda is covering the cost of a replacement and admitting that the seafoam cleaning they performed was the cause of the cat failure.

Ya got lucky son...count your blessings and NEVER go to another dealer.

that's what I was thinking......true dat, my dealership is awesome!