So I got around to run my car on idle for an extended period of time today. I wouldn't think it's 30 minutes? but probably 20?

Are there any potential damage?

It did act weird afterwards, losing power, really loud noise from the intake/engine bay.
That probably lasted around 2 minutes? I switched off the car and let it cool down a bit and it was fine then.

And when I got home carefully driving 10 miles under the speed limit and plugged in the Cobb AP, coolant temperature shows at around 200F.

I'm kinda worried. If i don't hear anything from here, I'll probably have the dealer look at it.
Thanks.

 

There is no issue at all with engine running at idle. Its easier on the motor then lets say, having the car on cruise at 70 on the interstate for hour. As long as your fans are good and have no issues and kick on to keep it cool, no worries.

 

It does turn on sometimes when I get out of the car and lock it, but obviously I can't really tell if it's on when I'm driving.
I'm asking cuz I once heard Cop cars and Taxis have done some work to the engine to accustom to the daily extended idle-running.... so hm...

 

and just to ease your concerns, coolant temps of 200 are somewhat "normal" for warm city driving

 

Really? It used to be 181-185 for me and whenever it gets to 190, the coolant light would come on, but I checked and checked, the coolant's always full.

 

My car highway driving runs at roughly 160-180F on days that range from 60-80F. City driving can easily get up to 190-210F.

 

"Potential dangers of running idle for an extended period of time?"

Someone might steal it?

 

Well I'm in the car the whole time.... Please stay on topic...

 

Assuming your fans are working properly and your radiator isn't clogged, you should have no problem on a normal day.

There was a recall on the thermostat temp if I recall. Also, just take a quick look in the front of the radiator and see if there's bugs or dirt or anything in there.

Was it excessively warm that day? Do you have any intake mods, specifically short ram or a drop-in filter type?

 

Yes!
I have the HKS short ram.
Would that be related?

 

I was wondering the same thing. Sometimes waiting in line at the autox it can be upwards of 20 minutes or more before I get to run. It got pretty hot under there at some point.

I don't have a numeric temp gauge, I was just going by feeling but it seemed pretty hot. I ended up taking the engine cover off and waiting in line with the hood up to try to let some heat escape.

 

Relax and read this. There's a TSB about the light coming on. I'd say your temps are not that high or something to be concerned about. It's a car. The engine gets hot, esp. standing still. That's why they have radiator fans. http://parts.arlingtonmazda.com/docu...40-10-2375.pdf

 

If you would like to spend some quality time reading stuff about the coolant light ... check this out https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-trouble-shooting-95/coolant-light-dash-118947/. Search is your friend.

I would check out the loss of power part at the dealer. That shouldn't happen from what you describe.

 

iirc i read on this site that its not recommended because the omp is load based but i could be talking out my ***

 

I thought of that also. However, the oil injectors run off the amount of vac. No harm no foul.

 

that short arm intake was sucking up very hot engine bay air and probably threw the tune off some which could have resulted in the rough running for a while.
The engine at idle is not producing that much heat, so the engine itself should be fine. If it didnt overheat the most you have to worry about is your cat. The cat can get very very hot when the car is sitting still and running for a while.

 

As far as the Renesis and RX8, I really do not know for sure.

However, my truck (Silverado w/ 5.3) is like my office. Idling for 1+ hrs several times a week....thru the hottest of summers (a/c on full bore) and the coldest of winters, is a regular occurance. Sitting and idling 2-3 hrs is not uncommon. Never had an issue. Truck is a 2000 w/ 220K miles.

As mentioned however, if very hot outside and it has been sitting idling for an hr or so, once I start driving it will take a couple mins. to remap itself for the change in breathing in cooler fresh air.

 

Idle sucks for any type of engines, not just rotary.

Your car wouldnt blow up for that, so dont worry too much about it

 

I think I might've found my answer.
Car's running normal again today, I'll keep monitoring the situation.
Will probably do a coolant change anyway. I don't recall having done that... ever...
Thanks guys.

What's everyone's opinion on transmission oil and rear diff oil?
I've come up with some searches that trans oil isn't completely necessary as they'd shud just top it off, but what about rear diff oil?

 

Yea, I did come across that thread when the "Jail" light first came on, figured it wasn't a big deal as long as I always check the coolant level.