newb8y

ok first of all, hi all!

i bought an 8 from an auction, cheap. engine light is on the rad/coolant light just came on and the foamy water in oil look that is so well discussed. its having trouble starting and doesnt seam to be idling smooth.

does it sound like a head gasket equivalent type seal?

thanks in advance for your help

lilring

iTrader: (11)

the 8 doesnt have a head.. lol. dont worry about the milky stuff. its normal

newb8y

hey thanks for the reply

how will i know for sure its not serious?

it also sound like it may have low compression

lilring

iTrader: (11)

its a common thing for the oil to look milky when it gets colder outside. there is a TSB out for it... If you think it has low compression, do a compression test on it

Razz1

Yes, BUTT

ITS THE MIDDLE OF SUMMER

you should not have a milky dip stick.

Just run the stick in and out. clean each time. Check on the 4th try. See what it looks like now.

Any questions caontact your local club member and have them show you how to climb ropes and jump off cliffs.

newb8y

rubber rotor seals in the ‘cylinder housing’ becoming worn, which leads to significantly reduced compression, thus leading to problematic starts??

anyone come across this?

DocBeech

iTrader: (1)

Ok two questions for you. How far is your average trip in the car, and how long do you allow it to warm up.

Try this easy fix, take the car out on the highway for a 30-45 min drive, that should burn off most of the water.

VashGS

First question is did you change the coolant and oil out first? Has the vehicle been in a crash? Cheap = reconditioned title??

Year, model, mileage, transmission?

newb8y

its a 04 6 speed 230 65000 miles on the clock. i've only just bought it, i think it was lying up for 5-6 months

ok no water in oil. but its having a little trouble starting, not idiling right and its lacking power. i'm in ireland and finding it hard to get a compression test done.

would u recommend changing the plugs first? they are seriously expensive $600

DarkBrew

Order plugs, coils and wires from a forum vendor for about $300 and change them yourself.
Dealer prices are a rip-off.

LifeAfterRx8

iTrader: (17)

Okay, so you bought a car at an auction for a really low price and you expect it to have no problems? Obviously there was something wrong with it, especially if it lying there for 6 months.

With the problem starting, did you check the ignition parts? Ignition coils, spark plugs, spark plug wires etc? That could help with the idling as well. If it has 65,000 miles and it's being sold at an auction, chances are, it's going to need that done. I would honestly take it to a mechanic who knows about rotaries or a Mazda Dealership. If it is a low compression engine and by some miracle you find the service records for the car (if it was serviced at a dealer you could just look up the vin at the dealership and they'll have) you could get a brand new engine for free... well the cost of a compression test I think. If it's really lacking power, not starting, and idling really rough, chances are it is a bad engine, That's roughly $2,500- $5,000 for a new engine. Which would be the reason for the car being so 'cheap'

Also, if your check engine light is on, get the code checked. I think Auto Zone does it for free, Ask them for the codes so you look up the code to see why it's going off. Sometimes the CEL could go off with something as simple as not closing the gas cap, or it could be a faulty o2 sensor, or a bad CAT converter.

DocBeech

iTrader: (1)

hes in Ireland. I doubt he can just stroll over to an autozone:P also remember that prices are not the same in all countries.

newby get in touch with BHR and see if they can get you some kinda deal with freight by ship shipping. or for that matter anyone. Also I would suggest you try try try to find local car clubs and see if anyone knows who has good rotary experience. There has to be someone.