So my 04' auto rx8 just had some tranny issues, and I got that issue fixed by getting a used rebuilt one, and now im monitoring that closely. And then as I picked up my car from the mechanics he told me that the radiator was mixing oil and coolant, and that I should get it replaced, well I did that too. And did a full flush of coolant on top of everything.

Before I replaced it, the problem made me suspect a O-ring failure, and I started making sure that it wasn't mixing and it seems, that there was a rust colored goo mixing in the radiator and floating to the top. Upon closer examination the goo felt a bit oily, but am still unsure because its color was that of rust. So since I replaced it, goo hasn't come back, ill be monitoring that as well. And for $#!?$ and giggles I got a compression check done, and results were 92 psi on the front, 90 on the back. Got the cooling fans checked out as well.

Problem is you know when you can just feel your engine getting overheated. I mean not only is it unbearable to touch from the outside after a run, or you can feel the heat radiating on the inside. But it actually smells like something is burning at times.

 

Couple red flags here!

Also your compression #'s are meaningless

 

Okay, maybe I was just saying a mouthful. See the thing is Im an American living in Pakistan, and as you guessed it that is a problem in itself. Why?

Because its impossible to find a perfect (or nearly) rx8, and its hot like the devil, and worse of all the mechanics here are $#!+. So im stuck with all those problems.

As far as what I was talking about my 8. the main problem is even after i've gone over the cooling system, monitored the levels, made sure no leaks, fans are working; the dang thing still keeps getting hot. My thermostat is in the middle like normal but I can just feel the car get a bit extra hot. To the 15 min ride down the road driving like a granny, it will still heat up bad.

This makes me suspect an O-ring failure but there is no evidence on the oil dipstick or the cap. And I dont know what else to look for or what else to do.

I heard that if I leave my overflow tank cap off and warm up the engine, then if there is bubbling with a few k rpm that might indicate a leak? are their any ways.

And just ignore my compression results, as I am a noob and would probably mess up explaining it anyway.