New and green

[Billsrx8]

Hi folks I have just purchased my first RX8, many moons ago I had a 3rd gen RX7 which I truly loved. I bought my new toy yesterday and am looking forward to the challenge of keeping it going, I have been playing with Alfa's the past 2 years so know what its like to deal with endless issues. I hope my new venture will be fun and look forward to sharing my troubles and delights. Chat soon Bill

[warpc0il]

Where abouts in NI?

[GreySilver Beast]

Hi Bill & to the RX-8OC


Please check out the EVENTS SECTION's - Events Team

[Billsrx8]

Hi live in a little town called dromara.. on the outskirts of Lisburn city.. where are you based?..

[warpc0il]

As is says there
<<<<<<<<<
"Groomsport, Co Down"

[Shagrington]

Hi and Billsrx8. Thanks for joining the club already too.

Given your history you may not need this, but just in case ... Have a good read through whatever in the FAQ section you didn't already read and then (and just ignore me if you know all this already) here are my best tips for keeping it all running sweetly:

1. To start up turn the key to position 2, wait for most of the lights on the dash to go out (I watch the airbag light by the glove box), press the clutch to the floor (optional, but reduces drag), turn the key to start and do not touch the throttle until it has started. You can drive off straight away, just keep the revs down for a bit (see #4 below).

2. Never turn off the engine before it has reached at least somewhere towards normal operating temperature (should only take a minute or two, but best to go for a short drive if just swapping cars round on the drive etc). Switching off cold risks flooding, which is a real with a rotary engine. Mazda recommend rev to 4k and hold it for 8-10 seconds switching off while still revving if you have no option but to switch off cold (it is not necessary to do this in any other circumstance).

3. Check the oil level regularly (use the dipstick - the oil gauge tells you nothing other than that you have or don't have pressure) and top up if necessary with semi synthetic 5w30 (most people and specialists are advising to use 10w40 now though) ... small amounts at a time, no more than ½ a litre then check the level again before adding more as you don't want to overfill it.

4. Use all the revs once the engine is nice and warm (don't sit idling to warm up, start up and drive but keep it below about 4k until the needle on the water temperature gauge is pointing straight up, then give it another 10 minutes for the oil to warm up too before really thrashing it ) and hit the beep often. Best acceleration is from 4k revs up - to pull away you really need to rev to 2k - you can let the revs drop after lifting the clutch if you are in traffic, cruising steadily at 3½k revs and changing down to go up hills or accelerate gets you the best mpg ... which still won't be great.

I would normally add a 5th tip saying to join the club, but you already did that - and you are also very fortunate have warpcOil, one of our esteemed Spin Doctors and one of the most friendly and helpful people I've had the pleasure to meet, living somewhere within striking distance of you (I'm not too familiar with the NI geography and what is where in relation of course).

[Billsrx8]

Hi thank you for the info very helpful, i did own a RX7 for many years but as a 3rd car and very little driving. At that stage of life any work to cars was undertaken by a so called expert, now having more time and a very inquisitive mind i enjoy dabbling and doing all my own mechanics. I have in the last 2 years bought 2 Alfas, both cars i have rebuilt the engines and performed all general maintenance. My new toy is more a project than a functional vehicle and look forward to seeing if i can keep her lit (Northern Irish term) lol. No doubt i will be torturing the forum when i hit problems. I collect the car on Tuesday 12th Feb from Neath in Wales so it will get its first test, getting me home lol. Thanks again for all the advice and please keep in touch. Bill

[SteveTroman]

Hi there from Dromore, a couple of miles down the road. If you need a rotary expert, I can put you in touch with Alan and Johny Woods in Banbridge.

[Harrizone]

You have a kindred spirit in Dave (warpc0il) both a rotary and Alfa owner (classic) and a renowed expert on the RX8 hence "Spin Doctor'. Oh! and all round nice guy.