August23
Mazda will recall all 2004, 2005, and many 2006 model year RX-8 sports cars to address an issue with the vehicle's unique rotary engine, according to trade publication Automotive News. The automaker is expected to officially announced the voluntary recall some time this week. Many engines will need to be replaced, according to the report. The move comes after the Japanese automaker came under fire from consumers over a number of serious problems with the engine. The issue involves damage to the catalyst resulting from oil leaks. Any engine that does not pass a vacuum test must be replaced.
I LOVE the rotary, but this iteration seems to have been slightly half-baked. The reports of overly excessive oil consumtion are devastatingly widespread.
This is a good move for Mazda to address these customer complaints, I hope that the 'fix' is more than just a band-aid.
I wouldn't call replacing the motor a band aid . . . there goes their profit margin
wow..i nearly signed the papers on one of these but didnt because of the horror stories of the oil consumption.
J: replacing the motor is only if there is no compression. If you still have compression…then what?
heheh…ive always stayed away from rotaries
wow this is going to be a real pain for both mazda and all rx-8 customers, really blows.
say bye to your rx8 for 3 motnhs while they swap your engine..
it really sucks…its a kick ass car. i think this will effectively kill any chance of another rotary engine in the near future
Can someone enlighten me? what's the advantage of the rotary engine anyway? I've heard of so many engine problems with the RX7, and the current RX8, I just dont see what the advantage is. I mean it's nice that it revs high, and for a small engine, it does make decent power, but guzzles gas and drinks oil. Why not just use the turbo motor from the mazdaspeed 3 or 6?
how many did they sell?
wow that sucks for mazda
always knew mazdas weren't reliable
kudos to mazda for trying to be unique….not sure if being unique is worth a blown motor or not though. I'll keep my pistons thanks.
supposidly, the advantages to a rotary engine in general, are great gas milage, very little vibration, high revs, light, and is supposed to make more power per liter and revolution, then a conventional piston engine. However, in mazda's case, it doesn't get great gas milage, and doesn't really get the kinda power they could if they'd just stick a nice 4-6 cylander from one of the other mazda's. Like all technology that is new and relativley new at putting rotary engines in cars, nobody has the experience making a reliable rotary engine, that fits the advantages that they are supposed to have. I think mazda should have done a little more R&D before going with the rotary, as we see now, it's gonna cost them a bunch of money
"I think mazda should have done a little more R&D before going with the rotary"
You do realize that the R&D you mention has been going on at Mazda since the 1960s.
how much oil is being consumed? Rotaries burn oil…it is injected straight into the housing. Is it a problem with the OMP?
Further more, I commend Mazda for sticking with the rotary as a power plant.
It will pay off if and when the hydrogen supply infastructure is in place.
HAHAHAHAHHAAAA…They should've stuck with the rotary for Le Mans only.
Yeah, as tob said, I'll keep my pistons over this.
Japanese Quality ?? It's going down the toilet…..
paco first stop talking
don u don't know shit
my RX8 has had no problems what so ever and their hasn't even been a recall letter sent and probably won't
and for relibility not one problem and its was bought in the 2nd month it came out
These sound like the same issues the RX-7 had. I think it's time for Mazda to can the rotary and go with a competent six cylinder engine for the RX sports car.
Rotaries are cool, but need more development. Lots more development from what it looks like. I like the variety. Lets see some more.
even though i don't think the mazda's rotary engine is the greatest like i put above, i think it's great that they went out and tried something untraditoinal, number one, to see if it worked, and number two, to keep developing it making it better, as Drain said, who knows, it might pay off when a differen't technology like hydrogen evolvs, might work great in rotary, and whoevers saying japanese qualty, going down the toilet, don't mistake this little problem for quality or reliability, it's a specific problem thats wrong with this engine, it's not something that is unreliable or of poor quality
Wow this sucks… I like rotaries, but some of them like the one found in the RX-8 isn't torquey, but alot of hp. I really like the RX-8 though, it's functional yet sporty, fun and good looking too. Mazda comes out with some good cars.
The rotary is a neat idea whose time has come and gone. Let's see, the RX-8 has a wonderful chassis, great brakes and looks pretty decent. But it's also hampered by a gas guzzling, oil slurping powerplant that also manages to deliver awesome acceleration numbers… for the 1980s. Come on Mazda, kudos for trying to keep that uniqueness but replace it with a conventional engine already.
My first Mazda rotary was a 1971 R100. I have owned several since then, including the first generation RX-7 in 1979. The company was always on top of any problems and gave extended warraties when needed, and I loved driving them. To say they need more development shows a lack of knowledge. I would not hesitate to buy a Mazda rotary today, except I love my MINI too much, but I would not worry about quality issues with Mazda. Remember, this is a voluntary recall, not a government mandated one, and that speaks volumes about Mazda's dedication to their customers.
Sure am glad I went with the HONDA but that sucks Mazda seemed pretty proud to release the rx8
I always liked the design on this car but had no idea about these isues. Give them credit for taking care of the problem unlike Toyotas recent problems. They actualy tryed hiding their mistakes, till the Japanese government forced them to take care of them. They should offer the option to replace with rotary or conventional. Now what ever they do should come with a extended warranty.
yes I agree with Dave… as long as they recall them and do it right, then it's all good.
I don't believe they need more developement for one, they've had plenty of it. Maybe more refinement, it doesn't get good mpg's and is a little short on torque, but other than that they are very smooth good engines.
Yet this is a pretty big issue, it's almost all of the production Mazda RX-8s made so far
I am sure this must be Ford's fault, or maybe GM's. I mean after all, this kind of thing only happens to American makers.
Umm Fatstrat… Toyota has just as many if not more problems then American auto manufacturers… All the auto manufacturers for that matter have some sort of problems, but there are a few notable ones… one of those being Toyota so it's not just american auto manufacturers
i test drove the Rx-8 a few years ago when they came out and it cornered and handled real nice but was TOTALLY GUTLESS on power. Glad I didn't buy one now, I bought a Z06 vette instead…no thats a REAL sports car..
I have an 04 RX8 and I also use to have a 93 Twin turbo RX7–I can honestly say that I'll wait till I receive the letter from Mazda–but this car has been the mot reliable car I've ever had, 54,000 miles and counting and no problems whatsoever, oh wait, my sunvisor broke and they fixed it for free–I'm honestly shocked.
Happy RX8 owner
problem is that they made an entirely new rotary for the RX-8 and didn't work out the kinks so they could meet the deadline. But once that's worked out, a 1.4 liter making 216 hp (automatic) *more for the manual* is really really nice. And it should get good mileage. Also, I heard with very minor tweaks, it can run on hydrogen!
Can we get a RX 8 owner to comment on this related story?
someone asked about the pros of a rotary engine… in addition to high rpms, there is a lot of potential because, as opposed to a conventional int combustion engine, the rotor never has to stop during its revolution. whereas in a conventional engine each cylinder must stop-turn around-go it is comparatively inefficient, at least in theory. i think because they are very difficult to successfuly implement (anyone remember the NSU ro80?), consumer opinion has always on the whole been hesitant at best. i really wish someone would put down some serious r&d on rotary motors - they seem to have incredible potential.
The 13B and all it's variants are (were) pretty reliable, as long as you didn't stick huge turbos on it. I find it a little strange that the NA 13B-MSP (Renesis) would be this bad, considering its not that different from the previous models.
Seems like the cross town rival called 350Z is still the best Japanese sports coupe sane money can buy.
Get ready to buy a used one on sale. Engine kits should be readily available! Wonder how much room is under the hood for a Buick Grand National V6 ?
I know JC2.
I was just taking a poke at the Big 3 haters so prevalent on this board.
I have a 2006 Mazda RX8. No Problems with it as of now. I see clearly that some people are very ignorant to the Rotary engine and this particular Renesis 13B powerplant that Mazda uses in the new RX8. First off. NO it does not get bad gas mileage and does not just Consume gallons of oil. It is true that the engine does consume oil but not at a high rate at all. I have gone threw one oil change and within that time I only had to put about a half a quart of oil back into the engine. Also proper brake in for that motor is a must. Some people get the car and start beating on it very fast. The Mazda Brake in recommendations are good but I followed the Racing Beat's Brake in recommendations and found they support and aid with Mazda's brake in.
RX-8 Break-In
Mazda's Guidelines
The Mazda RX-8 Owners Manual lists the following information for the break-in period of a new vehicle:
"No special break-in is necessary, but a few precautions in the first 1000 KM (600 miles) may add to the performance, economy, and life of your Mazda.
- Don’t race the engine.
- Don’t maintain one constant speed for long.
- Don’t drive constantly at full-throttle or high engine RPM for extended periods of time.
- Avoid unnecessary hard stops.
- Avoid full-throttle starts."
A review of the Mazda RX-8 Service Manual Highlights revealed the following information regarding break-in:
"A fluorocarbon resin coating has been added to the trochoid surface (rotor housing) for improved initial break-in."
Racing Beat's Guidelines
The Mazda guidelines are reasonable and prudent. If you have any questions or uncertainly regarding the break-in period, we suggest you follow these official recommendations.
We receive many requests for our recommended break-in procedures. The following are Racing Beat's recommendations:
- For the first 1000 miles do not accelerate under full throttle.
- During the first 1000 miles do not exceed 4000 RPM.
- For miles 1000-2000, expand the RPM upwards - but do not accelerate at full throttle.
- Over 2000 miles, full throttle and high RPM is acceptable.
In summary, our guidelines offer a progressive method to increase the working loads placed on the engine.
Oil Change
The Mazda RX-8 Owners Manual indicates that the engine oil and oil filter be changed every six (6) months or every 7500 miles, whichever comes first. Racing Beat supports this recommendation.
Mazda recommends the use of SAE 5W/20 with a quality designation of ILSAC or SL.
Source:
2004 RX-8 Owners Manual - pages 4-7 & 8-4.
2004 RX-8 Service Highlights - page 01-10-4
OK…as a former RX8 owner, I'll comment. Mine was an '04 and one of the first ones my dealership sold. First and foremost, the rotary is a small power plant. As such, it makes tremendous power for its size (238 HP in a 1.3L engine). That allowed the designers to cut weight and have a lower center of gravity for the car with an ideal weight distribution….all good things for a sports car.
There was this little problem of Mazda having to reprogram the PCM to extend the life of the catalytic coverters of the first ones to hit U.S. shores. That resulted in lower HP than what Mazda advertised. What did Mazda do upon making the change? They offered to buy back all the early RX8s from their owners….or, to extend free service to the original owner for the entire 4 year warranty period. I loved the car so much, I took the free maintenance.
If you look at MPG numbers of similar cars (350Z, for example), the fuel economy is about the same. I got 17 MPG in town and mid-20s MPG on the highway.
Then, there's the issue of oil consumption. The RX8 was designed to use a bit of oil. Mine used about 1 at of oil every 3K-5K miles. I didn't consider that abnormal. I do think most people today just want to put gas in their car and go….with an occasional stop at their "quicky lube" joint. Most wouldn't know if they were using oil in their piston engines or not. Because, they never check it. When's the last time you saw someone with their hood up checking their oil at your local gas station?
Probably the biggest complaint was the fact that the RX8 could flood if started and then stopped when cold (as in a short 1/4 mile trip to the grocery store on a winter night). A flooded RX8 often could not be restarted because the plugs woul be fouled. That required a flat bed ride to the dealership. Mazda, through many reflashes of the PCM over time, all but eliminated the issue. The answer, of course, was not to shut down the RX8 if it was cold and immediately try to restart it.
A lot of this stems from people not reading their owners manual. A lot of it was about unrealistic expectations.
Bottom line….Mazda took care of me, probably better than any other car company I've ever had dealings with. They never shirked any issues and always went out of their way to make me happy. The RX8 (and the RX7 before it) is quirky. Know that, read your owners manual, and you'll be fine.
Now, Mazda is stepping up and replacing engines…without the gov't twisting their arm. It won't be cheap, nor is it good PR…but they are doing it, so it seems. Can you imagine Mercedes, Chrysler, BMW, Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, etc doing the same thing? Guess again.
Only reason I'm a former owner of an RX8 was the mere fact it was rear ended by an F150. The car gave its life for my safety.
Rotary Junk. Why do you think no one else besides Mazda uses this type of engine in their cars?
I'm starting a new term to describe this car:
RX-Break
Yupper, listen to all the comments above you from Mazda owners. They say something totally different.
Mazda makes good cars. When they are wrong they recall them, unlike some others… Toyota… they are not forced to by the government. As long as they recall them, then it is all good for.
Rotaries are not junk. They put out an amazing power to liter ratio (Mazda RX-8 rotary 240 hp for 1.3 liters), they don't get the best fuel economy but for a car of similar performance, it's not that big of a difference. Also there are many advantages. almost half the weight, less moving parts and less parts in general, enhanced reliability because of less parts, smoother power, and less expensive.
What's not to like about the rotary? It's a little underdeveloped maybe, that's all. There have been a few incidents like this probably with conventional piston motors
Wicked car. I'd still buy one.
Well, Peugeots Diesel-engines do burn down their owners cars but that doesn't matter, if it's a rotary-engine, however, TEH WORLD IS D00M3D …
As gg said, none of the other big players would replace the engines - kudos to Mazda for doing that. Although it seems like the NSU ro80-disaster, Mazda might be able to overcome this ….
quote >> anyone remember the NSU ro80?
Having owned many classic cars over the years, many with carbs, the car is, well, it's a true sportscar.
#1 rule is that it requires maintainence and attention like a typical bike. Every weekend you need to tweak and double-check with it a little bit - and for heaven's sake, don't abuse it without realizing that you'll need a new engine sooner rather than later.
The car is *exactly* like a car with carbs in how it runs. People can't seem to read the manual and figure it out.
- Never run cold. Winter starts are especially problematic for it.
- Never beat on it until it's been worked-in about 3-5 miles. Follow *exactly* the same startup procedures Harley recommends for their bikes. Because you can also damage your Harley or Kawasaki easily, too if you don't.
- The things can flood - learn proper starting techniques. Also, blip the gas when you shut it off.
- It burns oil. Get over it. My 67 Mercedes burns a quart a week, but I'm not selling it, no way. Oil is cheaper than gas, lately.(heh)
- Don't run it without oil. The main reasons it dies and the seals blow are two things:
A:Racing it until it pings/backfires - and eats itself.
B:No oil. Or racing it hard right off. Oil-starved rotaries well, eat themselves exactly like a 2-stroke would with only gas in it. Low oil in the car more than a quart or so will quickly cause damage if you make a habit of it.
Of course, in my Mercedes, I check the oil every two days - go over, open the hood, visually check the belts and fluids, check the oil - and close the hood. I'm good to go. So far, only a siezed tensioner pulley for my AC has gotten by me(bearings made no tell-tale noise - odd, that).
I did the same thing with my Suzuki motorcycle and my old racing bike years ago, so I'm used to it. It's not a Buick that you can ignore for weeks or months at a time - and you KNOW people do it to the poor car.
Now, there are two issues that Mazda has to deal with.
1:Toss the part in the manual - when you get your car, you want to change the oil at 50 miles, 200 miles, and then 1000 miles. This applies for all cars, but moreso for quick-revving ones. Use non-synthetic for these initial changes, reguardless what the manual says. It needs to be viscous and sticky/wear more - to get the crud out.
The amount of grit and metal shavings that comes out of the machinery as it does the initial break-in(initial 50 miles is about 70% of it!) is apalling. $80 in oil changes in the first 3,000 miles will save you much grief down the road. This is true with any car made today. (though some bikes are broken-in before the engine is put in it, it's not true for automobiles)
2:Oil eats cats. This is like a cat on a diesel - it's going to need replacing after only a couple of years if you beat on it, so consider it a consumable like a timing belt(which you don't need to worry with on the rotary, btw).
2B:Burning oil is proper for a rotary, like a 2-stroke engine. "OMG IT BURNS OIL" isn't an omen of doom like it is in a conventional engine. People need to un-learn that and Mazda is doing a really poor job of getting it across.
***
But properly warmed up and looked after, they are beautiful cars. But they aren't for idiots who want a toy they can hop in and ignore. Get a Miata if you want to abuse and ignore your car.
I have had 2 RX-7's, and loved them both. I've had more than 30 cars, most of them German or Japanese, and the RX-7's were among the most reliable cars I've ever had. One turned over 200K with no mechanical issues at all….just excessive oil use - and I can live with that. If you don't abuse a Rotory when its cold, it will last a long long time.
I owned a 1979 (automatic, very rare) and a 1981 (5-speed) RX-7. The only problem that I ever had was an ignition switch ($35.00) going out on the'79. They were great cars and I loved both of them. The only reason that I don't own a RX-8 is that I now have a family (enough said). Mazda has always made great cars, I would not hesitate owning another.
I love all these Rotary Enthusiasts Stepping up for Mazda and what's going on with the Renesis. These guys are owners, previous and current, and they've actually dealt with the issues all you idiots are carrying on about.
The Truth is, Just like those owners above, is that you need to unlearn conventional car characteristics when you step into an RX. My father got a fairly abused 93 Rx-7 Touring with 108k on the ODO. the tach was wonky and the boost was way off. a rubber gasket for the turbos had a hole in it like a flap, so unless both turbos was spun up, no boost effect. My father got the gasket replaced cheap, and BABIED that engine since he got it. He was mixing in small amounts of Klotz R50 (2-cycle racing oil for those who don't know) into the gas at a ratio of about 100:1 or less give or take. This is a really smart thing to do, because this oil is designed to produce ASH (yeah, why would you want that?) which lube something specific to Rotaries called the "APEX SEALS" (it also produced a 'racy odor' lol) but I think it went a long way to helping that car. Both cats are still intact (luckily for him it wasn't abused THAT badly) Everytime we take it out, it idles for about 10minutes before it's put into gear. Trust me, the Rx-7 and Rx-8 are true enthusiast cars. The inherent design to the engine produces little torque. I mean, seriously, when was the last time you drove a 1.3L engine with so much power? All these engines are assembled by HAND, and you wonder why nobody else is doing it? Not reliability, I assure you. These engines are truly exotic simply from the COST of developing it. GM was seriously considering a 4-rotor in the 1960s for the Corvette. They didnt want to pay for development, and the people wanted a burbly V8. So, only mazda stepped up to fit the bill for the most unique internal combustion engine on the planet. We can only WISH other car manufacturers would put forth that kind of dedication to the vehicles we drive every day. I'm a Nissan guy; but there's no way I'd turn down a Rotary in any kind of decent shape.
SO. MUCH. FUN.
I am from South Africa, and the owner of an 2005 RX8. The vehicle has been towed back to the dealer with serious starting problems from day 1. Ford Of SA kept on "fixing" the vehicle and promised in writing that it will not happen again and that if it will, the will (in short) buy back the vehicle. Needless to say they never intended to keep the promise, as the vehicle went back to the dealer twice after that! I love the car BUT am very glad that the recall is on. And I wish them all hell on earth and a massive financial loss! They deserve it as the do not take their customers serious, see them as crooks and FORD OF SOUTH-AFRICA is totally incompetent in dealing with customers relations and does not know a thing about the RX8's engine!!! Go SAM of FMCSA. Try to get out of this one MATE. I will make it MY top priority to make sure the local press inform the public about FMCSA and the issues regarding the RX8.
That is what happens when you try to reinvent the wheel…. or in this case the engine. Stick with what you know, the tried, tested and true good old "v" or "I" engine configurations. I remember when Mazda told the press that their engine has serious advantages over normal ones, guess they forgot to tell them the serious disadvantages to. OH well Mazda, or Ford, learn from your mistakes and remember that you are not a market leading segment so don't try any fancy gimmicks…. remember….. stick with what you already know.
well; let's look at this engine seriously for a moment. First off, by design, the engine is naturally near absolute perfect balance because the trochioid rotates right around the output shaft. a traditional inline or v-configured engine with pistons move in and out on a given axis. Only in an Inline 6 and a 90deg V8 have 3rd and forth order harmonics anywhere near Felix Wankel's design. Traditionally these engines are very space consuming and from a simple weight comparison; the Rotary has a higher specific output than either could hope to achieve. now; let's look at output;
a Honda "fit" or "jazz" engine is;
I-4 1.4L
109HP @ 5800rpm
105ft-lbs of torque @ 4800rpm
comparably;
2-Rotor 1.3L
232HP @ 8500rpm
159ft-lbs @5500rpm
not only is the rotary smaller, but it produces more than 100 more HP and 50ft-lb more torque, at RPM levels that would make anything except a porsche, or F1 engine CRY. and NO engine except one that's rebuilt every 400miles can produce a specific output of over 200HP per liter, PERIOD.
The Wankel Rotary has no cams, no lifters, no rods, and no Valves that can potentially fail. Usually an engine with ANY of these need to have those areas worked over at around 100-120k. Yeah, you might say that maintenance is worse with a rotary. Yeah right. If you treat this engine properly, you MIGHT have to get the Apex Seals done around 150-200k. Other than plugs and wires, which are necessary on any engine regardless of design, with proper treatment (again, as with any engine) can last a very long time. By simple design mechanics; Less moving parts = simplicity = reliability. So all things being equal, and both powerplants being treated properly for their design, the rotary will outlast a traditional powerplant.
The talk of the catylitic converter going has long been a problem with a rotary engine simply because the exhaust gases are Hotter in a rotary. You'd need to place it further away from the engine to keep it from being melted. But with a car of such size; it's extremely difficult to do. Now remember; this recall is voluntary, and it's not about the engine burning oil, it's about oil leaks. This engine, is like a 2-cycle in almost all respects, which, are more efficient at power, less at emissions, and because of the Speed at which this engine can rotate, people complain of the fuel economy for a 1.3L engine. BUT, if you compare to the amount of HP being produced, you SHOULD be comparing the fuel economy to an engine almost triple the displacement. In that respect, the engine is pretty reasonable.
Final word on this, I bet people put alot of synthetics in these engines, BIG NO NO. A synthetic is designed to resist burning, to NOT produce ash, and the high detergent levels can actually dry out and damage the Apex Seals. This is the only high-performance engine that should REQUIRE conventional motor oil. It NEEDs to burn SOME oil to lubricate those seals. So, if you think about it, an oil change on this versus something of equal performance is ALOT cheaper. As the happy owners above stated, this is NOT a jump in and go-type of car. Just a LITTLE bit of checking the oil levels on this car can lead to the allieviation of nearly all the major problems people complain about. You people complain of the design saying it's flawed. Well, i say it has less flaws than a traditional engine, and being in development for 40years vs. over 100 for a traditional design, this engine is MUCH more sophisticated compared to a traditional powerplant was at IT'S 50th year of development. Change your thinking. This engine is pure genius.
In 2005 the RX8 was the best new vehicle I could purchase for $31,000, in the category of a daily driven sports car. Exterior, interior, safety, features, driving experience.
One year later I have had no reliability issues, and I suspect it is mainly because I drive it pretty hard. I achieve 11-12 mpg and burn 1 qt of oil every 1000 miles.
The public has gotten the idea that the RX8 is unreliable, but I would ask them if they would actually consider their own car's engines more reliable if forced to drive between 6000 and 8000 rpms on the freeway every day.
No question this is the most robust and reliable engine I have ever owned.
I feel really bad for Mazda… for bringing an amazing car like RX8 in the states without taking in consideration how uneducated the drivers are here… how little they know about cars and most important how badly they trash their cars. This is a car ahead of its time at least for this type of drivers.
To the point of why no-one else makes rotaries? Simple, Mazda now own all the patents….
Happy owner of a blue 2005 RX-8 six-speed. Zero problems at 8,000 miles. 17 MPG with heavy foot in city traffic. 25 MPG on the open road at 75 to 85 MPH. Paid $26K for the car, couldn't be happier. Girls love it too.
Chris, you got it wrong.
Synthentic has nothing to do with it. Many, if not MOST Rotary engine owners, including those with 13B-REW and older, use Synthentic without any problems. Well of course. it all depends on the Oil. Dino juice or Synth. ITs the Quality that matters.
and also, you forgot about the "flash point" of oil. An internal Combusion engine has the temp. thats FAR FAR higher than any engine oil's flash point, and less not forget you just need to add about 2% gasoline to an engine oil and its flash point will drop as much as 100 degress.
So the "Synth Oil resist burning" just doesnt make sense at all.
Also one thing to keep in mind, all the engine that fail at Vegas has NO SYNTHENTIC oil in it. Yep, thats right , all of those ppl has Dino juice. So what does that mean ?
Theres no way for Mazda to test every single oil out there, they can play it safe by just saying "We do not know the long term effects …" , and theres a differents between "Not recommended" and "Against"
Thank you
the car looks cute…my sister test drove one, I have to say it's zippy in all but there is no room in the back seat at all. I felt like a sardine…plus I heard that you might need to change the oil every fill up…or so I've heard from the mazda dealer.
PISTONS SUCK!!! Rotaries are the coolest motors in the world if you know how to take care of them. I have an rx7 and all rotaries need is a little tlc. If you treat it right and build it right it'll own any piston motor. 1.3L, 240hp NA is amazing. All you dedicated rotary owners know what i'm saying. No Pistons, No Valves, No Heads, No Problem. Plus there are so little moving parts in a rotary compared to the the violent changes in direction associated with pissed in motors. ROTARY FOR LIFE!!!
I notice most of the people critizing the rotary have not
owned one. I have owned six starting in 1973 with a new RX2.
Reading between the lines I think the vacuum test referred to
above is done at top dead center with a special fitting for
the spark plug hole. IMHO this checks the O-rings around
the oil scrapers. Using this trick requires the intake
and exhaust to be sealed. If the vacuum is pulled on
the intake, with the spark plugs in, only the exhaust needs
sealing.
Mazda uses some sort of material in those O rings in the scrapers
but I have no way of knowing what material is.
I can tell you this. They are not as temperature resistant
as they could be as we boiled some in oil. I drove my 1976 13B Cosmo
for years with burned out oil O-rings and the smoke upon start up
obscured the sun.
The best O-rings for this job are Creavey Teflon encapsulated
silicon O-rings good to 500F. Teflon is inert to all known
chemicals and silicone is good to 500 F. I am always harping
on these. We have used them for a couple of years with no problems.
http://www.creavey.com/
There is an ultimate solution to the problem of injecting just enough oil
for the apex seals and yet not too much to fowl the catalyst.
There is a gentlemen that lives in the Florida panhandle by the name of Richard
Sohn.
Richard manufactures a device that blocks the oil supply
from the oil pan to the apex seal metering pump and allows the connection
if a separate tank holding two cycle oil. Two cyclic oil burns cleanly.
You can then use the best oil for each job. Synthetic in the oil pan and
two cycle oil to lube the apex seals. Mazda should implement this idea as soon
as possible.
Don't let the dealer tell you they will not fix your engine
because you used synthetic oil. When I bought my RX8 I specifically
asked the dealer and the Mazda Japan PR person if they objected
to synthetic oil. They said no but they had not tested it.
The very large Japanese oil company Idemitsu manufactures and sells
synthetic Rotary Engine oil that is specifically formulated
for rotary engines.
In my country, Mauritius, the RX8 is the best car you can buy. Anything more than 1600cc is double taxed! and for very rich people.
I only hope that Mazda solves all the engine's problem in the 2007 model and it will be on my list!
I agree with the Rx-8 owners and I recently purchased a used 2004 with low miles on it. I love this car, yes it's low on torgue but hey it gets up and goes quickly for everyday driving and handles beautifully. Unless you have the rotary you can't appreciate it. Yes there is a lot more tlc needed with this powerplant but IF you read the manual like you should (but no one in the USA does until they have issues) you will be fine. Many people don't drive this car like they should. This engine is meant for high revs between 3000-7000rpms on a regular basis and you'll be fine. Also, you need to check your oil every other gas fill up. Oh yea and if I hear another complaint about gas mileage I'm going to go looney. It's a SPORTS car what did you think the gas mileage was going to be? 40mpg? NOT! I hope my car doesn't need a new motor but hey if I get a new motor to replace my 15000 mile engine what the heck. As long as the replacement has an extended warranty of some sort I'll be happy. This is a fine sports car and a joy to drive. People who are talking bad about the rotary don't know what they are talking about. Remember when your mustang is spitting all over the place at 6000rpms the rotary is just starting to get cranked up, plus it's a lot more fun to drive and looks nicer than a run of the mill, something everyone has mustang. Not everything is 0-60 track times as a lot of auto enjoyment comes from the handling of a vehicle and how it hugs the road. Something mustangs can't do. Anyhow good luck to all fellow rx-8 owners. Here's to Mazda taking care of us, hopefully as promised.
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