I have a 2004 RX-8 that has been giving me a lot of problems over the years. At one point a few years ago I had a problem with the catalytic converter and so I had that replaced with a high flow one. Ever since then the car won't crank after it has been driven for awhile. Once it's reached normal operating temperature, if I turn the car off it's going to take about 10 to 20 minutes before it will turn over. When cranking, it's similar to when it's flooded but unlike the flooding issue it is fine after sitting for awhile.

Thoughts?

 

Seems to me there are a few threads already about this issue. I would suggest a little research.
One cause could be low compression.

 

Yeah, you are right in that there have been a lot of posts about this problem. The solutions seem to be varied as well. As much crap as this car has put me through, if it's not something easy I'm trading this thing in.

 

I am also going through this and low compression is the most common cause which means an engine replacement. The CAT wouldn't effect starting. If you still have the weak starter you would have cold start issues. The only other thing would be plug & coils need changing. A compression test would be cheaper and the first thing I would get.

 

sounds like a starter or fuel pump issue to me.

 

An engine replacement isn't going to happen. I will drive this thing off a cliff before I drop another engine in. So much for the idea that the rotary engine is indestructible.

 

There is an extended 8year/100,000 mile warranty on the engine. If you are under 100k why not get a fresh engine for free?

And I doubt the words rotary engine and indestructible have ever been used in the same sentence before by a sane person.

 

Sometimes you do not have a choice, how many miles are on the 8? There is an 8 year / 100K warranty on the engine.

I myself have an engine with compression under 6 for all of the rotor faces. I have another vehicle so I only use the 8 when I know it will sit for at least 30 minutes before restarting or getting stuck someplace wouldn't be a disaster. This is the way it will have to be until I can afford a engine built with NEW parts. Back in 2008 I didn't know that the life of an rebuilt put together with used parts was under 50,000 miles.

 

Seafoam or Mazda Zoom Zoom cleaner...follow the instructions in the DIY section.

Could be a whole lotta things...based on the limited information that you gave, it sounds to me like carbon build-up.

I'm guessing that once it starts up, it sounds normal and can be driven very fast and spirited. But then once the engine warms up completely, you have a sluggish response over probably about anywhere from 5.5k rpm to 7.5k rpm. It may sound raspy and noisy and even though rpms are climbing, you don't really get any more power.

If this is not your case, sorry. But if you could provide information like this, it can really help people help you.

Good Luck.

PS...not a lot of the original owners still in the '04s. I'm guessing you are original based on your join date. We are an elite group, don't drive it off a cliff.

 

Starter....many people have had this same problem including me.

 

me too.

 

+1 on the starter. Have it checked.

 

Can you fill us in on the repair and maintenance history of your car?

When was the last time you replaced the coils, wires, and plugs?
Have you ever reset the different ecu memories?
Any CEL codes stored?
Have you had the starter replaced?
Engine replacement?

Sounds like you might be the original owner, yet you only have 3 posts.
I'm not sure how to define your ownership of the car.

BC.

 

That's my car exactly. So this is more likely carbon build-up rather than low compression symptoms?

 

Carbon build-up can lead to a low-compression state. Clean the carbon out with seafoam. Follow the DIY on the site here. I also put a can of the seafoam in my gas-tank after the de-carbon. My car is way better than before.

 

When you crank the cold engine listen to the sound. Then when you try the hot start, does it sound like the starter is spinning at the same speed? If it sounds slower, you have a starter problem. If it's the same, it's probably a compression issue.