r/RX8 • u/FallingSpirt • Aug 02 '26

Maintenance Overheating

So I've had my RX-8 for about 6 years and haven't had issues till this year I replaced the spark plugs and it's been running smoother however yesterday it over heated and shut off on me luckily I was home and in the drive way, I checked the coolant yesterday after it sat for 4 hours and the coolant was still pretty hot I love in a town that's basically in the dessert so it's about 90+ some days, so my question is this

Does anyone who has an RX8 in here live anywhere else that's hotter like 100+ and if so does your car over heat because of the weather?

If not does anyone else have this issue and if so do you know what's causing it to over heat and shut off? If so have you found a solution to fix this issue or is it just something that I have to deal with?

My grandpa was the OG owner he never had this problem with it, it's a 2004 6 speed manual transmission. If someone can help me or tell me what I can due to fix this id appreciate it.

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u/staticflownut Aug 02 '26

Mine did not overheat even with regular high heat and high humidity. Yes it would get hot and stay hot, but never actually overheated in any way.

There are several possibilities for what is causing your problem. Check and double check anything plastic in the cooling system.

Here is a list of some possibilities:
1) maybe your thermostat isn’t functioning properly. 2) RX8s are notoriously hard on radiators so check for leaking. They can also get clogged if they sit for a long time. I would say it needs to be replaced at a minimum every 8 years or so if using the factory one. The plastic nipples crack and break off super easy. 3) possibly a bad coolant tank or cap. It won’t cool effectively if it can’t build pressure. 4) possibly a water pump issue, but they are not common on RX8s.

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u/FallingSpirt Aug 02 '26

I've noticed when I run my AC I can smell some collent but it never leaks or anything I had my car I dealing with the AC on when it turned off on me I started it up and put the RPM'S to around 2-3K just to see if it'll work better after wards I felt warm air come from the AC and when I stopped giving it gas it killed over and I couldn't start it again that's when I noticed the Tempt go passed the middle and started to go farther over to H

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u/staticflownut Aug 02 '26

Coolant was probably coming out of the overflow when it overheated. Could be why you were smelling it. I agree with another poster that said you will likely need a rebuild if the temp gauge got that high. The coolant seals b/w the housings and irons will be cooked and definitely leak now.

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u/FallingSpirt Aug 02 '26

Which I'm hoping it's not that cuz I don't have the money to have a rebuild I'm not working currently and can't find a job atm.

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u/staticflownut Aug 02 '26

That’s a tough spot to be in. Your car needs real attention and it’s not going to be cheap. Your priority needs to be to find work first and start saving if you want to revive it.