"I think it's dead Jim...."
 

Background: I have an '06 RX-8, that already received a new engine at 55k miles. Luckily Mazda covered it. While I had always maintained it properly, who knew what the previous owner did with it. Anyway, I thought having a new engine, with proper care, meant It would be good for at least another 50k miles right?

Uhhhh well at 77k miles, she started exhibiting the signs. :tear: Then a week later, mis-fire CEL came up. Code indicated misfires detected on #2. So I did the usual; New Plugs, Wires. It made ZERO difference, and power continued to deteriorate, with difficult warm starts. Then I started reading mis-fires on rotor 1 too! So I replaced the coils, and cleaned/reset the ESS & MAF sensors. No change. Started up fine cold, but 2 miles down the road, and it sounds like it's running on one rotor, and started making horrible sounds pings and quick metallic sounds above 3-4k.

This is were I need some experienced ears!! I'm well versed on understanding noises on std 4cyl, and too me, it sounds like knocking and metal loose in the engine!!! I have zero experience with such sounds on a rotary. The last engine that lost compression, NEVER sounded like this...just lacked power. This one feels like it's binding once warm. Check out the YouTube vid:


I was hoping to drive it to the dealer and have the compression checked (I have no idea how to do it, only used to doing it with a pressure gauge on std inline engines). Sadly, after 2 miles, I can't accelerate at all, and it's likely to leave me stranded. So I might have it towed into town, but rather save the money if the problem is dead obvious...

I know something is seriously wrong, and I'm sure one rotor (after briefly warm) is no longer working...but on an engine w/only 22k miles? REALLY? I serious doubt Mazda is going to give me ANOTHER engine!! :dunno:

Re: "I think it's dead Jim...."
 

That sounds like you have a rota bearing failure If so you need an engine rebuild or new motor