I have a buddy of mine who's got an rx8 that will turn over but won't start up and there's a bad fuel smell under the hood, he mentioned it's one with an apv valve if that helps any.

Any ideas?

 

if u haven't experienced it yet, the fuel smell could just mean it's flooding. but i'd still check for leaks just to make sure before it causes a fire. double check for compression and ignition, and that fuel is getting into the engine. wet plugs would indicate this. if there is a leak it might be reducing the fuel pressure enough that it's not starting. injectors may have started leaking. should i come check it out?

 

From experience when i had my rx8... it sounds like its simply flooded. If you put the accelerator to the floor while cranking it will cut the fuel. Mazda recommends it for as a de-flooding procedure.

If its manual push starting it would be the easiest way.