I have recently purchased a 2005 Mazda Rx8, I am new to rotary engines. I fired this thing up after is sat all winter long and it had a high pitch sound to it. It also tends to stall after it warms up and doesn’t want to start. Can anyone help me with this I also have a video of the start up if you need to view it. Just send your email to me and I would be glad to get it to you, the file is to big for this forum.

 

Did you get a pre purchase inspection before buying it?

Rx-8s suffer from carbon buildup on the apex seals, resulting in low compression, causing starting issues.

 

No I did not get a pre inspection, I only paid a few hundred dollars for the car just seeing if I could get it running. It does start just after it warms up it doesn’t start back unless I use starting fluid.

 

SAme - recommended that you get a rotary-specific compression test of both rotors. You likely have compression loss leading to hot start and stalling issues when warm. Rebuild needed.

 

Getting it started (cold) will be easy for a long time but restarting it hot will worsen quickly. The worst events are when the car stalls due to low compression (keeping it revved will only work for so long...) and you have to wait 15-45 min to restart her to continue driving when the stalling becomes frequent - again due to low compression. A rebuild is in your future (rotor: apex and side seals, irons - wear replacement) or replacement engine (less cost) from Mazda.