Was on my way out this morning, when I stopped at a stop light the car shut off and would not restart. I noticed the temp gage was higher than normal but did not see any anti-freeze leaks. Did a pressure test and and checked for codes but got nothing back. Kinda worried, I hear its not good to let these cars over heat but I am lost and not sure what to do next. Anyone have any ideas?

TIA

 

temp gauge was higher then normal?
our temp gauge isn't all that accurate in that once it hits about 150°F, it goes to the exact same spot every time and doesn't move until we approach 230°F so if that needle is actually moving higher then you are DEFINITELY over heating.

no coolant leaks?
coolant topped off?
nothing blocking airflow to the radiator?
what are the temps like in FL right now?

 

Yeah the temp gage was defiantly higher than normal.

No coolant leaks at all
Coolant was topped off (actually a little too full)
No airflow blockage
It was a nice 80 degrees this morning, been cooler the last several days

 

(Bump) Could it be a bad thermostat? My mechanic can't find anything wrong with it.

 

That would be a good place to start. Simple test with an infrared heat gun on the housing.

 

umm.. I know other cars have an auto shut off if the car gets too hot.

Does the RX8 have this feature?

 

Not to my knowledge. And I have gotten them hot.

 

So I found out it wasn't over heating. Took it in to Mazda and they say I need a new engine. No problem I guess $300 for consumables and I get a new engine. Anyone ever had any problems with the factory replacing engines? Anything I should be wary of?

 

The new Mazda rebuild facility does a pretty good job. Better than when they contracted the job out.
Your new one could end up being better than new. Mine was.

 

Make sure you buy the new fuel line.

Do not re-use the old connector.

It will leak and start a fire.

 

So here was the Diagnosis from Mazda:

PERFORM TBS 01-014/08 INSPECT CAT, CAT WITHING
RANGE 2.6. CHECK COILS WITH TIMING LIGHT ALL COILS
GOOD, DECARB ENGINE WITH ZOOM SPRAY, TEST DRIVE
CAR STALL 3 TIMES, CHECK BARO READING 2.3 AT IDLE
AFTER HOT, CONTACT TECH LINE, NEED ENGINE

Not sure what all that means it was explained to me that the compression was low when the engine heated up. But they were unsure what the cause was or did not want to tell me. Anyone know what could cause this? Bad gaskets? Just curious so I can avoid this in the future.

BTW, car runs great with the new engine. Loving it again.