Strange "whirling" sound from engine at start up
 

I changed the spark plugs, coils and ignition wires on my 2004 RX8 at 40K miles. I turn the key to start the car and it makes a strange "whirling" type of noise and will not start...kind of like its not getting a spark. I checked all plugs, wires and coils and everything is connected firm and correctly. Lights on dash did dim and flicker during the start up attempt and I have been charging the battery for 24 hrs in case that is the issue. Any ideas on what the "whirling" noise is? hard to describe but it sounds like some sort of a device "spinning down" maybe like the noise from a turbo or something although there is no turbo or mods at all on the engine. I was unable to get the top trailing plug out so that one was not changed but all others were. Would this cause this issue?

Check the order of you plug wires.

Verified all cables are correctly installed and fit tight. I am guessing it sounds the way it does is because it is still flooded. I have followed all the procedures and still cant get it to start but it sounded really close last night and I had to put the battery on a charger. my next attempt will be using jumper cables on another vehicle and hopefully that will do the trick. thanks for the suggestion on checking the wires.

The strange is probably your airpump...simple. When they start to fail they sound like a high pitched vacuum cleaner. As for the not starting thing I'm at a loss.

I don't think he's talking about that high pitch sound. I'm pretty sure he's talking about the sound like that of a generator as it's either turned off and gradually coming to a stop or a generator that is trying to start but can't quite. That's one of the signs of a flooded engine.

Manual or auto?
If manual, tow start it.
18mph in 2nd gear and let out the clutch, then keep it running!!!!


This noise is as you actually try to start it or as you release the key because it hasn't started?
Hopefully you are not just hearing the starter just spin down as it's not popping out and not able to engage????????

The only whirling sound I hear coming from my engine bay is my intake.

Mine has a whine too...

Yeah but your engine is starting up, right?

Quick status and response to all the good suggestions from everyone. I was finally able to get her started using the method Mazda printed in the manual...I did that method with the fuel fuse and air pump fuse both out. It took multiple attempts and a battery charger but each attempt got me closer and closer and then BINGO..she started up, coughed a few times, blew out white smoke and I was able to put the fuses back in and she settled down and I drove for an hour and better then new. Tons of power and was able to shut her down and start her back up several times thru the day (making sure it was warmed up correctly each time before shutdown again). I cannot believe the difference..no hestitation, no coughs, backfires, nothing but pure music to my ears. Thank You all so much....

Sounds like it was flooded...seems more common then it should be, I just got done deflooding mine a few days ago

Mine has had a (loud) whine since February 12, 2008.

:)