So I just bought my first Mazda and it is a 08 Rx-8 and I have a few questions as I dont know anything really about Rotory motors.
ok so the guy in bought it from was telling me I have to mix 2 stroke oil with the gas but everything I am reading online says it is not required but will help extend the life of the engine and seals.
1. So fo i have to mix the gas if I have NO plans of racing or drifting the car?
2. I stalled the car the first time i tried to put it in reverse bc i didnt know about pushing down on the shifter and when i tried to start it back up it didnt want to start, he said that these cars are bad about that and it has to cool back down before it wants to start again. Is this normal or a possible mechanical issue?
He claims the motor was recently completely rebuilt and only has 300 miles on it since the car reads 9800 on the dash.
I would greatly appreciate any help and guidance anyone can give me please and again new to owning this tyoe of car so please excuse my ignorance.



A few pictures of my new baby

 

Welcome to the forum

 

My friend (now deceased) owned a well known shop called Rotary Research. He was well known in the late 70s and 80s for his top expertise with Mazda rotary engines. Even Mazda corp knew him . Without going into all the details of my connection with him I never herd him mention or recommend even on my modified rotary driving on the street not a track car to use anything except gas. He clearly stated that useing it on a street driving rotary engine would cause carbon to build and could potentially damage the engine.

While he past away long before the WWW I am sure if you look you may find historical information about his company? You may also contact the many Rotary clubs still in CA that might have information on both what Inposted as well your question?

 

Ok, I didnt think so bc i had a few friends that drove RX's and I never head any of them say anything about mixing oil with the gas but when this guy told me that i started looking online and saw some post where people were doing it and videos on YouTube showing how to mix it properly but I just assumed that was ment more for racing and drift cars. I would imagine that could be the cause of it not wanting to start properly bc I know spark plugs get faled from oil exposer and diesel engines that require glow plugs bc of the oil. Thank you very much for the advice I really appreciate it. I am excited to have the car it is in amazing condition and been very well maintained from what I was able to see in the dark when giving it a look over.

 

I was into rotary engines once in an RX2 Had a rare factory had ported engine . I could spin the motor to over 9 k + rpm and it would only keep going if I wanted to. But the clutches would fracture and literally fly apart into dust at those engine speeds 😂

 

It sounds like the previous owner may have done some mods and one being disabled the auto lubrication system. That being the case you would have to add oil to the fuel but in the correct ratio. I suggest you find a workshop that specialises in them for an assessment of the car and advice on how ta care of it. Their easily destroyed.

 

I agree with what Charlescrown has posted. The factory oil injection system can be unreliable. If its been disconnected then you will need to premix / add oil when filling up with gasoline.

 

The oil is to lubricate the apex seals so I suggest you find out what's going on before a major disaster occurs. They are expensive to repair if the rotor housings get damaged.

 

ok thanks for the advice guys I will definitely look into it I am waiting for him to send me the paperwork from where he says he had the motor completely overhauled and rebuilt so I have it in writing what exactly has been done and having my mechanic give it a good going over.

 

He will need a knowledge of rotaries their very different to piston engines.