Sylvie Willis
The Mazda RX8 is a unique car with a rotary engine and a saddle-style fuel tank. When removing the fuel tank, it is important to first drain the remaining fuel. The service manual provides instructions on how to do this, including grounding the F/P terminal and using a screwdriver to bridge the two wire pins. Some people have also suggested using a tube on the fuel line connector to drain the tank. It is important to take the necessary precautions when working with fuel and to follow the instructions in the service manual to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
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What You'll Learn
Grounding the F/P terminal
To drain an RX8 fuel tank, the service manual states that the F/P terminal should be grounded. This can be done by locating the correct connector and bridging the two wire pins with a screwdriver. This will cause the fuel pump to run with the key on and the engine off, allowing the tank to be drained.
It is important to exercise caution when performing this procedure and to follow the instructions provided in the service manual. One source suggests that grounding the wrong pin could be unsafe. Therefore, it is essential to correctly identify the F/P terminal and the corresponding connector and pins.
The F/P terminal is likely to be located near the fuel line connector on the driver's side of the car. This connector is typically red and is found by the firewall. Once the correct connector has been identified, a screwdriver can be used to bridge the two wire pins. These pins are male and will stick up, making them easy to identify.
By grounding the F/P terminal in this way, the fuel pump can be manually controlled, allowing the fuel tank to be drained. This method is described in the service manual and is a common technique for draining the RX8 fuel tank. It is important to consult the manual and follow the instructions carefully to ensure the procedure is performed safely and correctly.
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Using a tube on the fuel line connector
To drain the fuel tank of an RX8, one method is to use a tube on the fuel line connector. This method is detailed in the service manual and is considered a safe and effective way to drain the tank.
Firstly, locate the fuel line connector by the firewall on the driver's side. The connector will be red. Once located, take a tube and attach it to the connector. Ensure that the tube is secure and will not leak or become detached during the draining process.
With the tube in place, the next step is to bridge the two pins in the connector. This can be done with a screwdriver, as shown in the service manual. This action will run the fuel pump, allowing the fuel to drain through the tube. It is important to be cautious and careful during this step to avoid any spills or accidents.
It is recommended to have a container ready to collect the drained fuel. Place the container at a lower level than the tube to allow for easy and controlled drainage. Ensure that the container is suitable for storing fuel and is large enough to hold the amount of fuel in the tank.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively drain the fuel tank of an RX8 using a tube on the fuel line connector. This method provides a straightforward way to access and drain the fuel, making it a popular choice for many RX8 owners.
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Bridging pins with a screwdriver
To drain the fuel tank of an RX8, you need to bridge two pins with a screwdriver. This process is detailed in the service manual and involves the following steps:
Firstly, locate the fuel line connector on the driver's side of the car, by the firewall. This is the red connector. You will need to attach a tube to this connector.
Next, you will need to locate the two wire pins that need to be bridged. These are described as 'male' and 'stick up'. Using a screwdriver, bridge these two pins. This action will allow the fuel pump to run with the key on and the engine off.
It is important to note that this process may differ slightly depending on the year and model of your RX8. Always refer to your specific service manual for detailed instructions.
Additionally, when working with fuel, ensure you take the necessary safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear and working in a well-ventilated area.
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Removing the drivetrain
To remove the drivetrain of an RX8, the fuel tank must be drained first. This is because the gas tank is a saddle-style tank that goes over the drivetrain.
The first step is to drain the remaining fuel from the tank. This can be done by tying a certain pin in the relay/fuse box to ground, which will allow you to manually control the fuel pump. However, if this does not work, you can power the fuel pump directly by connecting a 12V, GND, and two wires related to the fuel gauge. You will also need a 10ft section of clear chemical-rated 5/16″ ID hose, which can be press-fitted onto the fuel line in the engine bay.
Once the fuel is drained, you can begin removing the drivetrain. Start by unbolting and dropping out the drive shafts. If your RX8 has a carbon fiber drive shaft, be sure to wrap it in something protective before removal, as recommended in the service manual.
Next, remove the remaining components of the drivetrain, excluding the rear differential as specified in the service manual. This process may vary depending on your specific RX8 model and package. Always refer to the service manual for detailed instructions and safety precautions specific to your vehicle.
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Wrapping the drive-shaft
To wrap the drive-shaft when removing the RX8 gas tank, follow these steps:
Firstly, identify the type of drive-shaft in your RX8. Most drive-shafts can be simply unbolted and dropped out. However, if your RX8 is equipped with a carbon fibre drive-shaft, as mentioned in the service manual, it is essential to wrap it in a protective covering before removal. This protective measure is crucial for preventing any potential damage to the drive-shaft during the removal process.
For the protective covering, you can use an old towel or any suitable cloth that can provide a layer of protection. Ensure that the towel or cloth is clean and free from any debris or sharp objects that could potentially scratch or damage the drive-shaft. It is important to handle the drive-shaft with care as it is a critical component of your vehicle.
Once you have the protective covering ready, carefully wrap it around the drive-shaft. Make sure that the covering is securely in place and will not slip or shift during the removal process. You may consider using tape or elastic bands to hold the covering in place, ensuring it remains firmly wrapped around the drive-shaft. Take your time with this step to guarantee adequate protection.
After the drive-shaft is securely wrapped, you can proceed with the removal process as outlined in the service manual or other relevant instructions. Remember to handle the wrapped drive-shaft with caution to avoid any potential damage during removal. It is important to follow the manual's instructions carefully to ensure the safety and integrity of your vehicle's components.
By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can effectively wrap the drive-shaft when removing the RX8 gas tank, ensuring its protection and contributing to the overall maintenance of your vehicle.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the service manual, you need to ground the F/P terminal. You can do this by putting a tube on your fuel line connector (the red one by the firewall on the driver's side) and then bridging the two pins with a screwdriver to run the fuel pump.
If the service manual method doesn't work, you can go straight to the source and power the fuel pump directly. Look up the schematic to identify the wires, then get a clear chemical-rated hose and press fit it onto the fuel line in the engine bay.
The RX-8 has a saddle-style tank that goes up and over the drivetrain, so you'll need to remove most of the drivetrain. If you have a carbon fiber drive-shaft, wrap it in something protective before removing it.
Draining the fuel tank is often done as part of a Mazda RX-8 EV conversion, where the internal combustion engine (ICE) is replaced with an electric power source.
