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We chatted for a few minutes about some three rotor builds they had in progress and about an SR20 engine that was in the bed of a pickup truck in their lot. Then I left and made it to a local auto parts store. They were able to match my broken pieces to the proper setup – and I was back in business. Just a regular tune-up and de-flood. Not a search for parts for my nearly 13 year old car.
Back in my garage I jacked up the front of the RX-8 and removed the driver’s side front tire. There are guys who say that you can change the plugs with the tire still in place. Personally, I don’t find removing a tire to be a challenge so it will always come off. Likewise, I learned from my buddy Dave to keep yourself as far from your work as possible. I am pretty sure it saves on damaged knuckles and fingers – so I always use two extensions on the ratchet wrench so I was essentially working in the wheel well rather than the crowded engine bay.
Removing the first spark plug confirmed that the engine was flooded. With a piston engine that usually just means foot to the floor on the accelerator and usually the engine fires up and you are good to go. With a rotary engine, not so lucky. Well, at least I am not so lucky. I have heard of some owners who have had their rotary fire up and then be off to the races. My car has flooded twice in the six years I have owned it. Both times it required a lot of elbow grease.
1 comment
I adores the rotary engines, I love the high revs and the chassis designed by mazda.
the rx8 has always been a great sports car. Balanced and not over powered, and it has real usable back seats.