3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

How long with dropping coolant and white smoke before engine totally dead?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-19-04, 07:52 PM
  #1  
90s riceboy

Thread Starter
iTrader: (15)
 
EUROX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: San Diego
Posts: 570
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
How long with dropping coolant and white smoke before engine totally dead?

I asked this question in another thread and also did a search, but found no exact answers to this question so....

I have a 93 FD with 61,000 miles. I have had cooling problems with my car where my temps vary during stop and go traffic from 180F to 200F, with stable 180F to 190F during highway driving. Coolant at the filler neck drops to below the coolant level sensor after every drive. Same ol symptom of white smoke after starting for only 1 minute, which does not occur any other time. Engine still running hard. I have a Fluidyne rad, Samco hoses, aluminum AST for cooling mods.

My question is, for those of you that have those telltale symptoms of white smoke and slowly missing coolant, how long did your engine last before it completely gave out? What is your driving style - aggresive or not? People on the board have said they drove it til it didn't run anymore, but how long and how much mileage was that, before it failed and a rebuild was absolutely required?

Thanks!
Old 01-19-04, 08:11 PM
  #2  
Rotary Enthusiast

iTrader: (32)
 
ObliqueFD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,137
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
I started getting white smoke in August. She still runs strong but I haven't even put 1,000 miles on her since I bought her!
Old 01-19-04, 11:49 PM
  #3  
Full Member

 
eugenchoo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Singapore
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I am now on my 2nd FD and I don't know about the rest but my car gives out white smoke every morning when I start up. Mechanic claims it is from oil being burnt to lubricate the seals. As for losing coolant mine did too but I heard a bit is the norm. Hope that helps
Old 01-19-04, 11:59 PM
  #4  
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
 
ooEfiniRx7oo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: CA
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have same problem with you. Its been like that since 1 yr ago. I've put on 10,000miles since the smoking probelm and graduate coolent loss.

Oring is most very likely to be shot in this case. But it runs, it runs....I'll drive it till it stops! lols


93 rx7 touring
M2 Stage 3 Ecu
Re Amemiya intake
Down Pipe
boosting 0.8cm^2kg
Old 01-20-04, 03:56 AM
  #5  
Lives on the Forum

 
rynberg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: San Lorenzo, California
Posts: 14,716
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
Re: How long with dropping coolant and white smoke before engine totally dead?

Originally posted by Hashiriya
II have had cooling problems with my car where my temps vary during stop and go traffic from 180F to 200F, with stable 180F to 190F during highway driving.
Your readings are completely normal and are in fact, on the low end for stop-and-go driving.

Your other symptoms may indeed indicate failing coolant seals. I have experienced the coolant smelling exhaust and a little white smoke for about 18k miles now. However, I'm now starting to have to add coolant fairly regularly and I can't find a leak in the engine bay. It's about time I popped my rebuild cherry, I guess.
Old 01-20-04, 07:11 AM
  #6  
Doritos on a toothpick

 
BoostCrzy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: west palm beach, FL
Posts: 1,124
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
it'll run till you stop adding coolant and oil
Old 01-20-04, 11:20 AM
  #7  
90s riceboy

Thread Starter
iTrader: (15)
 
EUROX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: San Diego
Posts: 570
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Thanks guys for the helpful replies.

I guess I won't feel like I need to absolutely drop all the upgrade plans I had budgeted, and drive her til she drops. It's frustrating cause I absolutely baby this car and I feel like the car has mood swings.

Thanks again!
Old 01-20-04, 03:00 PM
  #8  
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
 
BinaryRotary's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Illinois
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
It's frustrating cause I absolutely baby this car and I feel like the car has mood swings.

Can't live with them/can't live without them! Nough said.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cristoDathird
Introduce yourself
28
05-30-19 08:47 PM
elfking
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002)
3
08-19-15 09:48 PM
gtcd
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
30
08-19-15 02:44 AM
pzr2
General Rotary Tech Support
1
08-15-15 08:29 PM



Quick Reply: How long with dropping coolant and white smoke before engine totally dead?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:48 PM.