Problem: Start problem when engine is warm
 

Hi.
Search around a bit on the web and in here but could not find an answer.

I recently just baught an 2004 RX 8 with 122k KM (75-76k miles) on the speedo.

I took for a drive, and drove about an hour, and stopped to refill gass.
After iv done that the car would not start. Just kept "stalling". Tryed a few times, and stopped for about 10 mins while i was searching the web for sollutions.

A guy came up to me and asked me to pop the hood, and try again.
Then it started.
He thaught it might be the starter-engine.

I have nerver had a "cold start" problem.

Any suggestions?

(I do know its an engine that needs ekstra love and care, and i have allways warmed up, and shut it down on the correct way.)

Google site:rx8club.com hot start

It could be the following problems:

battery, starter, coils, leads, plugs

or it could be worse, your compression. Check your compression and catalytic converter

You could have a slow starter that all '04s came with. Or you could have a dying engine. So you definitely need to go get a compression test at a Mazda dealership before you start throwing money into it for possible causes

Thank you RIWWP, i have checked it out. A nice read.

Cliff: i have ordered a compression test at my local dealership, and then David i will check the battery and what not. :)

Thanks alot for great answers.

That's good. Compression is always something you want to check because some people don't even want the car anymore if they have to replace the engine, and if you put money into other things before knowing what the problem is, then it's just money lost. If you pass the compression test (and I hope you do), then you just move on to other possibilities. If you don't mind me asking, what does your dealer charge for a compression test? Some dealers definitely charge more than others. The battery and starter are also possibilities, but the Mazda tech who does the compression test should notice any problems with either of these when conducting the test. Good luck and let us know what happens

I guess they do charge for it. Nothing is free in Norway. :) and it probably will be like $100 or more.

Edit: what is a passing score?

It costs about $150 to get it done at the dealer near me. I don't know about in Norway, but the dealerships here (or "stealerships") love to rip people off. So just be careful and don't get any actual work done at the dealership besides the compression test if you can help it.

A compression rating of 8.0 is a perfect score for a new engine. It fails and will no longer start once it hits 5.9. The thing is, it could be at 5.7 when hot and 6.2 when cold, thus causing the hot start issue, but still be able to start when cold. Before you get to 5.9, however, you will usually start experiencing stalling issues and shaking at idle.

Also, these numbers are when your starter is spinning at about 250rpm. If you have a slow starter (or a weak battery) and you're only spinning at 190rpm , then the failure point will be something higher than 5.9 like 6.4 or so instead.

Hi. The test resualts are back, and the compression was at 3.5.
Mazda's minimum is 4.1 to pass the test.

The mecanic at the dealer told me to: get a new engine and a new starter. This is an opretation that will set me back about $10k. This i cannot afford.

The car does start and run. And it does run fine when its warmed up.

Can i change coils, leads and/or plugs to keep the enigne at float? Or do i just throw money into a huge pit by doing so?

OR will it help/be worth it, to just do a rebuild? Depending on the prise offcourse.

New coils, leads and plugs will help a little. you can also add two cycle engine oil to your fuel (search premix) and it will aid in compression slightly. Basically you can put a band aid on it, but it will eventually get to the point where even that won't be enough. I would not waste money when I know the compression is bad. I would just get a rebuild or good replacement.

I would try some seafoam and premix.. see if that helps the compression go up. If compression doesn't go up, I'd start saving money for a rebuild kit or a new engine.

I am not sure what currency to even guess at a conversion rate, but if it's anywhere close to the US dollar, $10,000 is far far far far too high. around $3,000 USD + shipping (which would be considerable :sad:) can get you an engine. You can probably get the parts for a rebuild generally cheaper from European sources? Might want to get in contact with some of the European guys on here for cheaper options.

Low compression can't be "fixed" though, outside of a rebuild/replacement.

good night'm new here I would like them to help me mazda rx8 2004. have already bought two years until here everything went well ... i changed coils plugs from there my car starts fine in cold .. but not hot ... I have to wait 30 minutes to start .. can someone help this problem

what unit of measurement are they using for the scores?

6.9KGF is mazda minimum standard, 6.5 is my standard, 5.7 is where most engines usually begin to have hot start issues. those that had scores between 5.7 and 6.9 are still typically drivable, those with 5.7 and lower require rest to restart and usually are still drivable, if the numbers are all relatively equal.

a used japanese engine is always an option also, but one we tend to put last on the list.


edit: noticed the thread necro...

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