I just bought a 2004 rx8 with around 50,000 miles on the engine. After driving for an extended period of time, the car will start to jerk, ose all power, and dies. When attempting to start again, it will not want to restart unless the gas is pumped a few times while cranking. It idols fine; wondering what can be the problem? Could it be a possible heat issue that causes the ECU to cut fuel to prevent damage?

 

After driving for an extended period of time,

there's the clue - I think your fuel filter is getting plugged.

The filter sits in a plastic sump and the pump is a siphon type, (sucks from both sides of the saddle shaped tank) so after a long drive it has sucked all the gas thru the sump, and all the crap from the tank is now on the filter in the bottom.

After a while the car will restart, as some crap falls away, but it will cut out within a couple of miles, that's the filter. The sure sign is it only happens at 1/4 tank or less, and goes away if you fill up.....those are your symptoms, am I right?

Filter is under the drivers side rear seat, best to let someone who's done it before take it out, the lid to the gas tank is a bitch to get off.

 

for future reference, search the topic in question before making a thread. this has been covered many times and theres info everywhere already about it.
but to answer your question, you may want to look into replacing the spark plugs and ignition coils to start. clean the MAF sensor amongst other sensors, and if your still having issues you may have to take it in for a engine compression test.
follow this
Congratulations, you got an 8. - RX8Club.com
focus on steps 2, 5, and 15

 

From Columbus ga to tallahassee fl last night it did it about 6 times and the final time didnt restart for a while on a hill. Unfortunatly it did it at 3/4 of a tank last night for the first time, its really pretty frustrating... I'm gonna check the fuel filter after work and see if if that will fix it, I also cleaned the MAF with the DIY and I'm running t he Lucas fuel injector cleaner if that sheds any light.

 

Over the years there has been some suggestive (but unconfirmed) indications that using Lucas upper cylinder lubricant causes problems with our fuel filters. Why? Not sure. It just shows up in a rather noticeable portion of threads describing fuel filter problems.


The other option here is that your fuel pump itself is failing, though with your quicker re-start time that is less likely.

 

That was it I've went through 3 tanks now and no more problems. Thanks for the help RIWWP!