Hi Folks,


I am currently looking at an '06. I've done a good deal of research on the forums and read most if not all of the READ THIS FIRST threads. That said, I understand the additional care and feeding required for the RX-8. So, at the risk of being flamed, here's my dilemma/question. This car I am looking at is immaculate and has one owner who obviously loves and cared for the car. A local rotary mechanic (whom I will not name) ran a compression test on this car, and according to what I've read on this forum, it failed with one face at 6.9@270RMP. The others are about the same, in the low sevens. However, he says this is perfectly acceptable, and the engine has many miles left. The test was performed using a Mazda tester measured in kPa. The car feels fine, and starts cold and hot with no issues. However, I really don't have anything to compare it to, and both the pass/fail curve and the chart on this forum show these results as failing when normalized to 250RPM. The car will be taken to Mazda for a second opinion. Am I misinterpreting the results? I hate to be a headache for the seller, but neither do I need a car that needs a new engine.


Thoughts?
Thanks in advance.

 

op,

If you could post the number that would help ever more. Given the info you've laid out its safe to say that yes if you purchase the car you will need a new engine. That's not to say the car won't drive for many more miles until then. But with a 6.9 your failing well enough that you may want to keep searching, get a price reduction or prep for another engine.

Hope that helps

Travis

Posted From RX8Club.com Android App

 

Hi Travis. I figured as much. I don't have the exact numbers in front of me or I would share. I do recall that the faces were 6.9-7.2 across the board with one rotor at 268 RPM and second rotor at 286 (I think). The car has a couple of weeks left on the 8/100 warranty, so the seller is going to see if Mazda will replace it. Otherwise we may negotiate or I may hold out for another 8 that tests higher. Really appreciate the reply!

Edit:

680-700kpa @ 268-280 RPM

Dave

 

I agree with Travis.

Also, look into the complete history of the car as in any collisions, cat replacement, tranny/diffrentials ignition replacement and etc.

Compression is failing, however, the engine should last quiet a few thousand kms if taken care off.

If Mazda replaces it under warranty then it's a win win for you ;-)

 

Thanks for the input! The car has a clean carfax, one owner, coils replaced fairly recently. Given the cleanliness of the car, if Mazda doesn't replace the engine, we will negotiate on price. Might look at doing a decarb. I will also check on the cats. Thanks again.