1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Coolant Issue

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Old Dec 16, 2005 | 11:12 AM
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Coolant Issue

I'm not really familiar with the engine on my car yet, but it seems to be sucking coolant into the combustion chamber, what're the possibilities for what's wrong?
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Old Dec 16, 2005 | 12:53 PM
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what makes you think it's sucking coolant in the combustion chamber?
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Old Dec 16, 2005 | 12:58 PM
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Believe me, rotary engines will let you know if there is a problem with coolant making it to the "combustion chamber"! Typically if the water seals have gone it will pressurize the coolant enough to blow the top off of your overflow tank. If that is the case, take off the radiator cap and try to start the motor - in extreme cases it will fountain five feet in the air out of the radiator on compression. Ask me how i know............
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Old Dec 16, 2005 | 08:00 PM
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Originally Posted by GavinJuice
what makes you think it's sucking coolant in the combustion chamber?
The rapid loss of coolant, and the amount of coolant-smelling smoke coming from the exhaust.
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Old Dec 16, 2005 | 08:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Boswoj
Believe me, rotary engines will let you know if there is a problem with coolant making it to the "combustion chamber"! Typically if the water seals have gone it will pressurize the coolant enough to blow the top off of your overflow tank. If that is the case, take off the radiator cap and try to start the motor - in extreme cases it will fountain five feet in the air out of the radiator on compression. Ask me how i know............
Intake gasket and coolant O-rings. These wont cause any of the crazy symptoms listed above but will cause your radiator fluid to drop enough to notice. Search and youll find its a prety easy fix too.
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Old Dec 16, 2005 | 08:15 PM
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Really, its only the O-rings but you gotta do them together to do it right.
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Old Dec 16, 2005 | 09:09 PM
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Sounds like the coolant seals are blown. Only fix is a rebuild. To test for sure, remove the radiator cap, start engine. If there are 'champagne' bubbles in the radiator, the seals are gone. The tailpipe exhaust will also smell sweet and put out copious amounts of white smoke.
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Old Dec 17, 2005 | 01:03 AM
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Rebuild is not required. Many of us have applied the Internal Water Seal Temporary Fix, sometimes for many years. Basically, it consists of thoroughly cleaning the cooling system, adding colloidally suspended copper or aluminum, and letting engine run slow and warm to set the additive. Can be done in a day of casual work. Complete instructions have been posted many times.
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