RX8 problems starting hot and cold

[jaypay87]

hi my name is jamie and now have been an owner of an RX8 for a year now it is an 54 plate and i have been told it might need a new starter motor and ecu. has anybody else had any problems with this in a 54 plate mazda.
when i first got it it started up ok but was a bit slugish, but over time it has got to the point where i have to roll it to start it after driving it. does anyone have any ideas where i could start.
cheers
1.3 non turbo
200bhp

[gsb876]

Whats the mileage chap ?

As might have low compression, also if it has not been serviced recently that might be an issue with fouled spark plugs which could need changing, if it has been serviced recently then you need to get it compression tested to see if it has bad compression.

[Will66]

It shouldn\'t be a new ECU just a reflash to the ROM that was supposed to cure poor starting problems.  There was an uprated starter fitted to early (04-05ish) RX8s to combat poor starting.  Although as Gurj says if you\'ve got poor warm starting problems, poor warm performance and odd rattles (like marbles in a can) then there could well be compression issues that will require an engine rebuild/new engine.  If you\'ve got full Mazda service history you could get a contribution to the cost from Mazda.  They paid for the parts on a new engine on my 04 RX8 that had done 72000 miles.

[RX8Head]

Pretty much what the other 2 have said all I can add is it might be worth checking the battery as well.

[craigr]

I got new coil packs from Clive at Mazda Rotary Parts as on 03 / 04 model cars apparently they start to break down. Before it was sluggish on start, now it is perfect. At the same point worth checking your plugs and leads.
http://www.mazdarotaryparts.com/bfe-ig01-genuine-mazda-uprated-coil-packsb-1399-p.asp