Deflooding RX8 Engine
Deflooding RX8 Engine
Make sure the key is not in the ignition, depress the accelerator fully (this will tell the computer not to supply as much fuel when starting), and then start the engine either until it has started or until 10-15 seconds has elapsed. If the engine starts, get ready to reduce the throttle as it rises. Repeat twice if unsuccessful
Try starting normally for 5-10 seconds (this step pumps more fuel in, so limit the time if there is no life)
If the engine is sputtering, it is not badly flooded, and the following steps may only need to be done once or twice.
Remove the fuse for the fuel pump. There are two fuse boxes in this car, one in the cabin, and one in the engine compartment on the right hand side as you face it. The fuse is labeled fuel pump and is number 22 (tbc), which can be verified within the vehicle handbook. A small flat headed screw driver will aid in leveling the fuse out.
Start the engine, turning the starter motor for 15 secs. If the engine starts, leave it until the engine dies naturally (if a second person is available, the fuse could be inserted quickly before the engine dies). If not, repeat this step three or four times, allowing 10-20 secs recovery time between attempts so not to damage the starter motor / revive the battery.
Replace the fuse, and try step 1 again. You will probably at least get some splutters, and maybe some catches which do not fully lead to anything – don’t be tempted to apply extra gas if your foot is not already depressed, you don’t want to make things worse again. If still unsuccessful, repeat steps 3-5.
Deflooding your engine within 30 minutes is good going and completely possible if you have been careful not to make things worse. When cranking the engine for periods, you will smell petrol as it exits the engine, this is normal and is what you are attempting to remove. It is also normal for the car to not start even after a successful step 4; it seems a bit wrong, but you are getting close and may just need to proceed with the last steps one more time.
Again, it is helpful to rev assisting engines that are supplying power when the starter motor is in use, especially during the important steps 1 and 2 or if you are allowing limited recovery time between attempts.
If you haven’t got time to fiddle, a method which will get you instant results is to jump start via a tow. I have not attempted this option, but I have been told that it will not kick in straight away, and that a little speed is required. Knowing that this is a heavy engine, a large drag will probably occur on the car towing, therefore it may be needed to clutch the RX8 in order to prevent a sudden tug and maintain speed in order to keep the engine spinning, although comments would be appreciated on first hand experiences.
Jimbob-T-Lex
10-09-2023, 12:23 AM #1The first few steps is to follow the instructions within the handbook. Please note that if you haven’t got the engine running within two or three minutes of the starter motor being run, you must connect alternative power to your battery (ie via jump leads) otherwise you risk damaging your battery. If you are jump starting using another car and are at the later stages of this guide, make sure the engine is running and that when the starter motor requires power the other car is revved up to 2-3 thousand rpm to supply the majority of the power, as idling will still heavily rely on the battery.
Make sure the key is not in the ignition, depress the accelerator fully (this will tell the computer not to supply as much fuel when starting), and then start the engine either until it has started or until 10-15 seconds has elapsed. If the engine starts, get ready to reduce the throttle as it rises. Repeat twice if unsuccessful
Try starting normally for 5-10 seconds (this step pumps more fuel in, so limit the time if there is no life)
If the engine is sputtering, it is not badly flooded, and the following steps may only need to be done once or twice.
Remove the fuse for the fuel pump. There are two fuse boxes in this car, one in the cabin, and one in the engine compartment on the right hand side as you face it. The fuse is labeled fuel pump and is number 22 (tbc), which can be verified within the vehicle handbook. A small flat headed screw driver will aid in leveling the fuse out.
Start the engine, turning the starter motor for 15 secs. If the engine starts, leave it until the engine dies naturally (if a second person is available, the fuse could be inserted quickly before the engine dies). If not, repeat this step three or four times, allowing 10-20 secs recovery time between attempts so not to damage the starter motor / revive the battery.
Replace the fuse, and try step 1 again. You will probably at least get some splutters, and maybe some catches which do not fully lead to anything – don’t be tempted to apply extra gas if your foot is not already depressed, you don’t want to make things worse again. If still unsuccessful, repeat steps 3-5.
Deflooding your engine within 30 minutes is good going and completely possible if you have been careful not to make things worse. When cranking the engine for periods, you will smell petrol as it exits the engine, this is normal and is what you are attempting to remove. It is also normal for the car to not start even after a successful step 4; it seems a bit wrong, but you are getting close and may just need to proceed with the last steps one more time.
Again, it is helpful to rev assisting engines that are supplying power when the starter motor is in use, especially during the important steps 1 and 2 or if you are allowing limited recovery time between attempts.
If you haven’t got time to fiddle, a method which will get you instant results is to jump start via a tow. I have not attempted this option, but I have been told that it will not kick in straight away, and that a little speed is required. Knowing that this is a heavy engine, a large drag will probably occur on the car towing, therefore it may be needed to clutch the RX8 in order to prevent a sudden tug and maintain speed in order to keep the engine spinning, although comments would be appreciated on first hand experiences.
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