puffxy

Note: This post came out way longer than I had intended, I simply wanted to give a bit of a backstory so I've bolded the section that I need help with.

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So I recently picked up my first FD after on and off research(forum lurking) for the past 4 years or so, thus I was fully aware of the problems that accompany them. All that research proved near useless as I may have still been swindled by the previous owner. I picked the FD up from the Los Angeles area and drove it back to the bay (thanks to my nerves of steel). The car actually performed quite well as it gave me absolutely no trouble the entire 5.5 hr drive home; temps remained reasonable, no odd hesitations, nothing suspicious at all despite the fact that I half expected it to leave me stranded in the middle of no where (this may be due to all the horror stories I've read on this board). I was told the engine has 4k miles, though the previous owner was unable to provide proof. I was told the rebuild was done by R&R rotory, though the previous owner was unable to provide proof. I was told the turbos are B&R rebuilds, again, no proof.

Anyways, I'm getting way off topic. The car looses coolant. I'm actually preparing for the worse and saving for a rebuild as we speak. If I'm wrong, great, otherwise.. live and learn. The reason is, the car looses coolant, and has a nice puffy cloud of white smoke on start up, though it never has problems starting. The cloud dissipates after a few minutes so it could be condensation. I've tried to champagne test but it came out somewhat inconclusive, there were bubbles but they didn't seem to be consistent. Also, from what I've read the; if it were a coolant seal the exhaust gas supposedly pushes coolant into the overflow tank and thus I loose coolant from the system, but that is not the case. The car (being a socal car) was running on pure water in the coolant system. I recently added coolant into the mix as well, to help me troubleshoot (as well as the UV reactive die), and as far as I can tell, the overflow tank is still 100% water.

But, I also know there is a leak in the system somewhere as I can see the dyed coolant dripping onto the floor. I tried to trace it but I'm having a bit of trouble. The leak is coming from the passenger side, near the oil drain bolt. It may be coming from above this area but I'm having trouble finding it. The pictures are fairly hard to see but but I'm hoping someone will be able to give me some ideas as to where the leak is originating from. Please note I recently changed the rubber turbo coolant hoses.

On top of all this, I'm fairly sure at least one of the turbo's are shot, or quickly on his way to being shot. Oil ALL over the the inside of the intercooler was my hint.

I apologize for the unreasonably long post.

rotaryinspired

iTrader: (3)

Coolant leak could be from the water inlet to the turbos. It is behind and slightly below the airpump. If I remember correctly you need to remove the y pipe to see this. Good luck.

silver_7

It sounds like the prob I had with my lines. U have two lines that run from the motor to the turbos (turbo coolant lines. U have to take off the airpimp and the airbox hoses to get to them properly. It only takes a few hours. If u replace the hoses u should replace the clamps too.

http://www.davidgeesaman.com/rx7/DSCF0066a.JPG

I didnt replace the clamps with new ones and it kept leaking. Dont use worm clamps either the cut into the rubber when the hoses swell. Use the same clamps from mazda.

puffxy

I actually changed those hoses just last month, when I initially changed noticed the leak. I will, however, double check the lines as I did reuse the clamps. Thanks