jtswenson

Just bought an 04 Sport 6spd. 47k miles on the original engine. I think it's had all or most of the updates done. I drove it home about 250 miles from where I bought it and it ran....ok. It seemed to chug a bit while cruising at highway speeds and when I got home I let it idle for a while. While idling, it almost sounded like it would miss quite often and stumble. It can't be missing because it would throw a code, right? Anyway, is this normal or do you think I should bring it in?

Please don't tell me to use the search button this time, I wanted a personal answer to my first question. Thanks in advance guys, I look forward to learning a lot from you guys!

LifeAfterRx8

iTrader: (17)

Change the plugs, wires, and coils and see if that helps at all. Even though they say to change them every 50-60k miles, it's better to change at about 20-30k.

jtswenson

I think I will do that, but if there's any chance of them needing to replace the motor I will probably bring them to have a look first as then I wouldn't have to spend the money. Does this sound at all like something that might warrant a new engine?

monchie

The dealership you bought the car is 250 miles from your home? I was about to say to bring it back to the dealership where you bought it from and let them check it out (under warranty).

Anyway, +1 on replacing the plugs, wires, and coils. Read the stickies for future reference. Congrats and enjoy the 8.

RXeligion

Before you go out and spend a bunch of money replacing things, consider a few things. Is this your first rotary? Was it sputtering, or was the idle auto-adjusting? My idle jumps a bit too, but my motor runs like a top. Having said that, you may be due for some seafoam or even coils... Rule out the cheap and simple issues first.

jtswenson

I didn't buy it from a dealership. It was a private party. Over the phone, he told me all of the things that are important to know...including that he knew all the quirks etc.

Can you tell me what the seafoam thing is? I'm sure I could find it in a search, but if you're still reading this maybe you could tell me. I think I'll still bring the car by the dealership just to see what they think.

RXeligion

Seafoam is a product which can remove the carbon buildup in your engine. There are several threads about its effects, and even a DIY if i'm correct.

jtswenson

I'm well aware of what seafoam is, but not the "procedure" in which it's used in this car. I'll look up the DIY. Thanks guys! I'd still love to hear other opinions on my concerns, though.

bse50

It's always good to do a compression test, even if the car "runs" fine. After that you will know where to invest your money and avoid wasting it

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

If the idle seems odd, try cleaning you air filter, the MAF and eccentric shaft sensors. Make sure that you do the 20 brake pedal stomp to reset the ecu when you're done.

I'm on my phone so I can't post my usual "welcome" threads, but just read the stickies in each section and check the google link in my sig for an alternative to searching the forum.

Welcome to the addiction and enjoy your 8

KidZoom

Welcome to owning a hobby car. This means you now have a hobby figuring out what is wrong. First thing to figure is when does your 8 year warranty expire. Which means this year for an '04. If it is still in warrantee, they will want to run diagnostic, cost about $100. They will tell you that your coils, plugs, and wires are bad $479. One because they are, (Mazda coils SUCK). Two, they will tell you that your air flow doo hickey is bad $279. Three, they will tell you your engine may be bad, blown, trash (because it may be) warrantee free on your own $bendover. If it is in warrantee, THEY will want you to pay for all the repairs up til they determine the engine is bad. There is a TSB for loss of power and lag. It is a decarbon procedure (Mazda version of the Seafoam mentioned by RXeligion), but you have to do all the prior repairs I mentioned before they will decarbon. And they will replace the spark plugs $129 with decarbon TSB. If that all that does not fix and you are under warrantee, they will replace your rotor motor...Zoom Zoom.

If you are out of warrantee, clean MAF, eccentric shaft sensors, change coils (see the BHR or DIY for Yukon coils threads here), plugs (be advised there are 2 different plugs per rotor), wires, replace passenger engine motor mount (yes it will cause misfire and rough idle), compression test with a special rotor compression guage. If this does not solve problem, you need to replace your engine.

By the way most dealerships are known here as "stealerships". Try and this site and google to find out your best nearest dealership, be prepared to travel great distances.

Congratulations on your purchase.

You may want to see my post on coil upgrade.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

what a waste of web server space and everybody's time.