Nivvinabon

Allright, need help here guys.

Got an '85 RX-7 GS w/ a 12a Engine everything's Stock

There's a crack at the top front of the radiator near the driver's side of the car. Near the Seam of the Radiator it looks like.

I'm at work right now, and I'd like to get it home to work on. My question is, if I have a 6 Gallon Jug of water. Do you think I could make 30 Minute Trip Home going 55-65 MPH without overheating the engine?

Let me know what you think. I'd really rather not pay the 70 Bucks for a toe home.

Thanks,
Nivvinabon!

Nivvinabon

Bump!

Comon guys help me out here!

Bass

It depends how fast the coolant is coming out of the crack. But considering the distance and speed that you will be putting the car through, I wouldn't risk it. Rotaries don't recover from being over-heated.

cdrad51

You should be able to. Check the temp gauge constantly. I don't know why you would use water only though, a 50/50 mix of water and coolant should be used.

Nivvinabon

Antifreeze is expensive and unhealthy for animals, and it's just going to leak out anyways?

Bass

If you're gonna do it, then take a cell phone with you (if you need a tow). Just like cdrad51 said- check the temp guage. Don't let it get past 3/4 (these guages aren't the most accurate ones around) If the temp gets too high, pull over, shut her off and wait. Refill the rad, then try again. I once drove mine with a burst heater core hose. It took an hour to cover about five miles, but I kept it engine from cooking.

87turbo2

probably but using water only can lead to rust. 50/50 is best. Drive with the heat on to make sure car doesn't overheat. If it starts to a little pull over!! 70 tow job is better than 700-1000 for a new motor.

Nivvinabon

A person here suggested leaving the Radiator Cap off, and when it starts getting a little hot, pull over and fill it up while it's still running, would this help keep things in the good, or would I risk cracking something?

87turbo2

correct me if i'm wrong guys. The cap is there to help insure proper pressure in the radiator. By removing it, it may relieve some stress on any crack in the radiator.

Nivvinabon

I think yer right there, but would not having the right pressure in the cooling system create a larger overheating problem?

red_blast

possibly. if there's no pressure then cooolant doesn't circulate like it should.

87turbo2

It may...the water pump will still circulate everything along the lower portion of the radiator, I just thought it may relieve stress so it doesnt **** coolant out of the crack in his radiator. I'll just say try it either way. If it begins to overheat any on the way home STOP ASAP!!!
Best of luck, hope it gets fixed soon and isnt too much of a headache.

Nivvinabon

For all those who had wondered... I made it home without overheating...

Granted it was towed anyways... The car just wanted to overheat waaaaaaay to quickly for me to try and push her home, and I couldn't stand putting that much stress on her. She's been good to me so far. Even after one overheat...

Thanks for the Suggestions though all! Much appretiate it!

RXTbone

Nivvinabon - Did you make it?

RXTbone

Ah - never mind - the last two posts didn't load and I didn't notice you had it towed.

Bad luck - but it's worth a wise $75 to save hundreds...

Bass

Glad you made it! While you're replacing or repairing your rad, you might as well flush the system and put in a new thermostat.

Nivvinabon

Indeed, the Radiator itself is in the Shop for Welding... I replaced the Thermostat not to long ago, but perhaps you are right. So I'll go ahead and replace the Thermostat again.

I just would really like it if the guy could have gotten it done today, instead of tommorow... But oh well.

I just hope he can get it done by then, or I'm going to have a fun time getting to work on Friday!