So my RX8 was having a warm start issues for a little while and i ended up installing a new starter 2 weeks ago because the old one started cranking over very slowly. Like >200 RPM. I bought a new one and it consistently cranks between 280 and 320 RPM. Now the new started is still cranking strong but the only way i can start my car is to push start it. I get it going to about 2 mph and it cranks on with no issues.
I have not noticed any loss of power when its running and i have recently replaced the ignition system parts. About 15,000 miles ago i got new plugs and coils. I checked the plugs and them seamed OK but i did try cleaning them any how. I do have a CEL but its for having a cat that is blown and that's it, P420 i think. I did pull the cat out and there is nothing inside it that could be clogged.
Currently my car starter will crank above 300 rpm, it smells like it is getting gas, i just cleaned the plugs and it will only turn on when i push start it. I am debating getting a compression test but i am hoping it is something simple.

2004 RX8
Manual Trans
about 118,000 miles on it

 

Does it start with the cat off the car?
Typically, warm start issues are a low compression issue. I'm not saying that is the only possible answer to problem you are experiencing.

 

I have not tried that yet but i can do it after work today. But when i removed that cat last time there was literally nothing in it. My plan was to bust out the guts of it but it looked like all of the catalyst was only on the outer wall of the interior of the cat. I was able to drop a wrench straight through the cat.

 

always starts like this or only from a cold start or only from a warm start?

 

It currently is always having the issues, it does not madder if it is warmed up or not. At first it would have some difficulty starting when it was warmed up but the new started seamed to fix it. Now it just keeps cranking and it is very difficult/impossible to start it without pushing the car or rolling down the hill i live on. This is happening when the engine is cold and when its warmed up.
I read your Winter Thread and none of those things sound like the issues i have had with my car, i live in Southern California and have never had any issues other than flooding when i blew a couple coils.

 

have you done the 20 brake stomp reset?

 

No but i did disconnect the battery to reset the ECU. Is the a difference between doing that and doing the 20 break pedal thing?

 

yes

 

Ill give that a try once i get home. Do you think i should try to start it without the cat attached like alnielsen was saying? Like i said, i already took it off a few weeks ago and there was nothing inside of it that could be clogged.

 

Re-check the coil connections.

If you can smell gas, you need new plugs.

You not clean fouled plugs.

Check for a spark. Make sure the plugs are getting juice. A Blue spark.

 

Mine is getting replaced tomorrow. It isn't clogged. However there is a mass in there that intermittently set over the outlet restricting it.

 

So i bit the bullet and took it into Mazda. They did a compression test and it is not good. Here are the results.

Rotor #1
4.3, 4.1, & 3.6 @ 250

Rotor #2
4.5, 4.5, & 4.7 @ 250

I think 6.9 is what it should be at and that these numbers are measured in kg/cm^2.

They recommended trying to decarb it and also clean the throttle body (Don't know why they recommended that when my cars not running...). I bought the Mazda Zoom engine cleaner and gave it a shot but it didn't help. I think its time for me to rebuild the motor.

 

did you do the brake stomp thingy?

 

Ya, i gave that a try and it didn't help. I appreciate everyone advice on this but unfortunately i think i am pretty screwed.

 

when you did it did the oil gauge needle sweep across to show that it had worked?

 

It moved half way up confirming that it was reset. But there was no change in my starting problem. I'm just glad I live on a hill so I can move it easily...