Mazda RX8 'milky dipstick'

[Chrisbown]

Have an '04 RX8, 231 model & noticed a little white sludge on dipstick filler tube whilst checking the oil.

I looked at the oil filler cap & there is no sign of milky residue there.

I guess water is mixing with the oil somewhere but as it is very slight & only at the dipstick 'tube' & not any sign at the filler cap is this a big problem?

Car was bought a few months ago as a cheap car, for the wife, so was hoping not to spend too much on it.

Any help/advice is very much appreciated.

I am based in Worcestershire near the Shropshire border if anyone knows a local fixer?

[Marf]

Lots of short journeys per chance?

[Chrisbown]

Short ish I suppose.

Average 4-6 miles. But 20+ 4-5 a week, in traffic though.

Is this why then?

[Marf]

Possibly, if it were me I'd be flushing the oil out, replacing it, taking it for a damned good hoon and then seeing how things progress.

[Ali_T]

Completely normal. "They all do that".

There's a flaw that allows condensation to build up in the dipstick shaft. Really isn't anything to worry about. I seem to remember they modified the dipstick design on later models.

[Tame Technician]

Normal for short runs on any car, nothing really to worry about.

Advise maybe change the oil more often as the RX8 runs very rich on cold start and this may dilute the oil with fuel with lots of short runs.

Just sold my one, but loved the car while I had it.

dont listen to the horror stories, try not to be paranoid, just look after it and it will do well.

PS always do this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Plj4DW8rT2s

[Happy Eater]

Ali_T said:

Completely normal. "They all do that".

There's a flaw that allows condensation to build up in the dipstick shaft. Really isn't anything to worry about. I seem to remember they modified the dipstick design on later models.

Mine used to do it as well, never had a problem with the RX8 great car.

J

[BadRotorFinger]

As stated above, it is a common occurrence, condensation on dipstick, I should not worry unduly.

[liner33]

Good reason to go for a weekend hoon , get that moisture burnt off

[Chrisbown]

Thank you all very much indeed.

Only use the forums infreqently but always get good advice.

Now where has she left the keys?

[marcosgt]

It's normal on the early cars.

There was a 'fix' (not a recall) for it, but not all cars got it, so many still have this issue.

M.

[madmover]

Sorry to go off topic slightly but how do you find ownership of an RX8? You hear so many horror stories and part of me has always been drawn towards them but always ended up getting put off. Seem excellent value for money if you pick up a good one...

[sherman]

I have had my rx8 since 08 and it has done this every winter without fail. It goes away again once the weather warms up.

Just makes checking the oil level a bit of a pain in the winter but after a while you get a feel for when the car is needing oil.

[Chrisbown]

Thank you Sherman. Guess I was just a little 'jumpy' not having owned a rotary car before. They seem to be a little better than the Ro80's? You guys might be a little young for those stories but...

Story was when one Ro80 driver saw another coming the opposite way they used to 'salute' each other by holding up fingers...the number of fingers indicated the number of engines they had fitted! No wonder they went under.

[CarbonBlackM5]

madmover said:

Sorry to go off topic slightly but how do you find ownership of an RX8? You hear so many horror stories and part of me has always been drawn towards them but always ended up getting put off. Seem excellent value for money if you pick up a good one...

Don't believe all the rubbish you read. Do your research, get a good one and you won't have any issues. I wish I had kept mine really. Sold it for an M5 which was a money pit. They are amazing value at the moment. Join the RX8 owners club, there is a wealth of info and some good owners cars for sale.

[Ali_T]

As above. I had 2 over 5 years and loved every minute of it. Then bought an STI and, irony of ironys, it blew up after 2 years. The only problem I ever had on the RX8s was a failed catalyst, replaced under warranty.

[Ali_T]

As above. I had 2 over 5 years and loved every minute of it. Then bought an STI and, irony of ironys, it blew up after 2 years. The only problem I ever had on the RX8s was a failed catalyst, replaced under warranty.

[Debo1979]

Just happened with me milky dipstick but hope nothing to worry about as in head gasket etc

[Rogue86]

Debo1979 said:

Just happened with me milky dipstick but hope nothing to worry about as in head gasket etc

You definitely dont have that to worry about with a rotary

I think if you want to (sensibly) dip your toe into RX8 ownership then Id probably suggest buying a dirt cheap car and taking it somewhere reputable to be rebuilt. Most decent engine builders will give you a warranty and youll still be looking at less than 5k all in.

[sherman]

Debo1979 said:

Just happened with me milky dipstick but hope nothing to worry about as in head gasket etc

Nothing to worry about. The pipe the dipstick lives in gets condensation in it in cold weather. It will clear up in summer and be fine.