RX8 difficult to start when hot
Discussion
Mate has an RX8 that starts on the button when cold.
When hot (e.g. after filling up) it takes over 30 secs of constant turning over before it fires up.
This is after its properly warmed up (he is aware of short trips flooding).
Will a new (allegedly faster) starter motor fix this?
When hot (e.g. after filling up) it takes over 30 secs of constant turning over before it fires up.
This is after its properly warmed up (he is aware of short trips flooding).
Will a new (allegedly faster) starter motor fix this?
Edited by was8v on Wednesday 28th July 12:21
I had put a new uprated starter on mine, it did help for a time, but the hot start issues were still there. Have to say it was annoying when at petrol stations and the car was taking longer to start, not good news. Frustrating when it was serviced by Mazda every year, cherished even, but eventually I traded in for a car that starts whenever I want it to.
Hope a starter works for your friend, he could get a compression test done to see if there are issues before spending money.
Hope a starter works for your friend, he could get a compression test done to see if there are issues before spending money.
Wadeski said:
I think this is a classic RX8 problem? probably a FAQ on the owners club...
Yeah, the classic answer is "faster starter". But I'm not convinced- the old starter spins just as fast as when it was new, so my thinking is the root cause is elsewhere.Badrotorfinger's experience supports this.
I had an RX8 that was similar.
Started almost instantly when cold, when warm it took about 2-3 seconds of cranking for it to fire. Was the same through my year of ownership, never got worse. I presume it's a trait
However I reckon 30 seconds is a little too long
Started almost instantly when cold, when warm it took about 2-3 seconds of cranking for it to fire. Was the same through my year of ownership, never got worse. I presume it's a trait
However I reckon 30 seconds is a little too long
Edited by killsta on Thursday 29th July 17:21
i had this problem on mine sad to say that she was sold about four months ago. but the problem was the coil packs on the way out. took many trips back and forth to the local stealer before they diagonosed the problem. turned out to be the packs for both of the lead packs bigining to fail.
hope this helps
hope this helps
sherman said:
was8v said:
Hi guys thanks for all the replies.
How would I go about testing the coils - or is it a case of "suck it and see" and buy new parts?
Thin its a case of suck it and see. To replace all the coil packs is around £400- £500.How would I go about testing the coils - or is it a case of "suck it and see" and buy new parts?
wolves_wanderer said:
Or about £250 for coils and leads if you don't mind doing it yourself (very easy even for a mechanical halfwit like me)
We pulled the existing coils to inspect. They are all very very slightly discoloured in the middle of their bottoms. No white spots just slightly discoloured.The bit of engine they touch had a corroded patch in the middle of where the coil touches.
Apparently the previous owner told my mate the coils were replaced a few thousand miles ago- no confirmed date or mileage as there is no receipt. The coils do not have a Mazda logo anywhere. The PO no longer answers the phone to my mate (odd, he just wanted him to confirm the date/mileage they were done to eliminate the coils).
Edited by was8v on Wednesday 4th August 08:35
was8v said:
nottyash said:
My Dad has just bout the coils for his on the net from the good old USA for just £128 delivered. About £100 cheaper than the cheapest aftermarket UK ones (Same company in fact)
Any chance of a link to the site he bought from? Cheers.www.rotaryfx.com
Agree with the above, the coils sound like they're ok from your description. Get a hot compression test done and then see where you stand. Check www.rx8ownersclub.co.uk for the figures you need, I can't remember them
Thinking about the way a rotary engine works, my conventional pressure tester will only give the overall max compression, rather than the value for each tip. Also there's little point in moving the tester between plug holes.
Some people suggest removing the relief valve from the tester and watching the needle bounce for each rotor tip.
Hmmm. I suppose a basic test using my tester this way may indicate if there's an issue. This will perhaps rule out the coils.
If compression is a little low then the newer faster starter (which by nature creates more compression) may fix the issue. This seems a bit of a bodge by Mazda to me as surely eventually the tips will wear meaning the thing needs an even faster starter......
Some people suggest removing the relief valve from the tester and watching the needle bounce for each rotor tip.
Hmmm. I suppose a basic test using my tester this way may indicate if there's an issue. This will perhaps rule out the coils.
If compression is a little low then the newer faster starter (which by nature creates more compression) may fix the issue. This seems a bit of a bodge by Mazda to me as surely eventually the tips will wear meaning the thing needs an even faster starter......
I'd really want a definate answer in your shoes. Take it to a rotary specialist or a stealer and get them to use the proper kit to test it.
A faster starter will mask the problem which may not necessarily get significantly worse provided you exercise the engine as it was designed to be. Engines that have problems seem to be the nannyed ones. A good thrashing everyday will keep the problems at bay IME
A faster starter will mask the problem which may not necessarily get significantly worse provided you exercise the engine as it was designed to be. Engines that have problems seem to be the nannyed ones. A good thrashing everyday will keep the problems at bay IME
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