catalytic converter failure

[DaveVT]

My RX-8 needs a new catalytic converter at 6600 miles. The dealer service manager surmises that the original was fouled by sales people moving the car around the lot without warming it up as recommended for the rotary. Does this make sense, or should I be worried?

[Eddie Bennett]

Dave

My RX8 has done about 7,000 miles and needs a new catalytic converter also. At least you got a description of what might have caused it. The only explanation I managed at my dealer came from the receptionist ! I hope this is a one-off fault, I've had 4 Mazdas in the past and this is the first I've had in the garage for an engine problem.

[rotary wonder]

It's not that uncommon - my dealer has replaced 3 cats on RX8s now (incl mine at 7700 miles). The explanation given (and it sounds quite plausable) is when the cars are moved around the docks. The cars are often started and stopped very quickly, which leads to over fueling and problems with flooding. This means a fair amount of raw fuel is pumped through the cat - not a good idea. I haven't heard of repeated failures though, so I think this explanation is quite reasonable.

[FDTT]

LOL, those a BS answers.

The car does run rich on start BUT not enough to clog the cat. There was abviously a problem with the construction of the cat in the RX8. That is why they get replaced. This is also a very common problem with newer mercedes cars. The construstion of there cats just when down-hill so now they repace them all the time.

[ccasmoe00]

This may be a stupid question, but how do you know when your cat is bad?

[FDTT]

little exhaust pressure, CE light, sulpher smeel from rear of the car.
Generaly it is nabbed when the car is in for servicing.

[ccasmoe00]

My RX8's exhaust smelled like eggs when I first bought it. Its not as strong now but still there, but I havent had any lights come on.

[dvs57tech]

Originally Posted by DaveVT

My RX-8 needs a new catalytic converter at 6600 miles. The dealer service manager surmises that the original was fouled by sales people moving the car around the lot without warming it up as recommended for the rotary. Does this make sense, or should I be worried?

i work for mazda they could be very honest if the car is sitting on the lot and barely bieng warmed up the bad ggas will damage the o2s and cat
the rx8 andd as for rx7 aswell whould always be warmed up before driving always dechoke the car if you have truoble starting it and dont skim on the gas use 93 oct trust me
if you dont plan on driving the car for days dont fill the tank and warm it up daily its a good car just have to baby it a little all these new vehicle has strict fed tolerances and are very on point making emissions faliure easier than in earleir years for most and all cars