Hope someone can help.

Specs: 2005 RX8, ~55K miles but the engine has maybe 1/2 that (was replaced; twice)

I've had the occasional hard start but nothing like this. Yesterday I had to move my car and it maybe ran for a total of 10 seconds. I get up to go to work this morning and the car wont crank over. It'll seem to crank endlessly and "almost" kick over sometimes but it never does.

I replaced the battery with an optima RedTop (wanted to do this anyway) and the problem persisted. The cranking did seem more even and consistent thanks to the new battery.

I then tried the deflooding procedure which after multiple attempts (like 7 or 8), got it cranked over and working (sort of).

After it started, a crap ton of white smoke was coming out of the back. I let it run for a good 15 min to let the smoke clear before I took it around the block a few times.

The drive around the block was a bit nerve racking. If I went from 6K to idle (totally warm engine), the car would die. It did start back up with only minor complains. Engine lights were coming on quite a bit.

I wasnt having any big issues except for a hard start here and there before today.

Any ideas? Should i keep it running longer and see if it clears out?

Thanks!

 

Why was the engine replaces twice? Is there a scent to the smoke? When was the last time the car was serviced? Does the car have the original starter?

 

1. Compression issues.
2. The exhaust smelled kind of normal, however there was a burning electric/clutch like smell coming from the front of the car. I dont smell that any more when I start up the car (ive restarted it several times without issues for the past few hours)
3. It's been well over a year
4. I'm not 100% sure but I think so.