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

Radiator / Coolant Problems and Leak

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Old 06-22-08, 04:26 AM
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Aaron
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AK Radiator / Coolant Problems and Leak

Today I installed a new engine in my 1980 RX7. The engine that I installed was from a 1982 RX7, and looked to be in good condition. Unfortunately, I've run into a HUGE problem. It seems that there is a bad seal inside the engine, and coolant has mixed with the oil. I've been looking for a cheap way to fix this, and I found this. http://www.rotaryresurrection.com/1s..._seal_fix.html I don't have the time or money to buy a different engine or do a rebuild, so I'm tempted to try this fix for the time being until I can find a different engine for the car. Any feedback on this idea would be appreciated.
Aaron
Anchorage, AK

Last edited by akman360; 06-22-08 at 04:34 AM.
Old 06-22-08, 09:31 AM
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Many of us have had a coolant leak and many have used that solution with good luck. I've done it myself a couple of times.

Usually the way the leak manifested itself was that the engine overheated and subsequently coolant would be lost through the engine and out the tailpipe. After the engine started the exhaust would emit clouds of white smoke. One would have to add about a cup of coolant to the radiator every day.

In your case it's hard to predict if the problem is the same. It sounds like all you know is that there is coolant in the oil. Perhaps there is a different cause: perhaps the block is cracked from getting frozen with insufficient antifreeze.

Can you actually run the engine? You'll be required to run the engine several times to apply the seal temporary fix.
Old 06-22-08, 09:22 PM
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Originally Posted by bliffle
Many of us have had a coolant leak and many have used that solution with good luck. I've done it myself a couple of times.

Usually the way the leak manifested itself was that the engine overheated and subsequently coolant would be lost through the engine and out the tailpipe. After the engine started the exhaust would emit clouds of white smoke. One would have to add about a cup of coolant to the radiator every day.

In your case it's hard to predict if the problem is the same. It sounds like all you know is that there is coolant in the oil. Perhaps there is a different cause: perhaps the block is cracked from getting frozen with insufficient antifreeze.

Can you actually run the engine? You'll be required to run the engine several times to apply the seal temporary fix.
Yes, the engine runs fine. A lot of thick white smoke though. I've had the block out, and it looked fine and un-cracked. I will try the fix tomorrow and post the results.
Old 06-23-08, 09:50 AM
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Here's what worked for me. Mine was very very bad, throwing up clouds so thick that traffic behind me had to pull over until it cleared.

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-gen-archive-71/engine-coolant-seal-repair-maybe-750774/
Old 06-23-08, 09:54 AM
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The key is to get the cooling system nice and clean and free of slippery stuff.
Old 06-23-08, 10:11 AM
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Actually, with my method you don't have to worry about any of that. You can even leave the coolant in, and you don't have to drain it after it stops the leak.
Old 06-23-08, 10:13 AM
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Originally Posted by Kentetsu
Actually, with my method you don't have to worry about any of that. You can even leave the coolant in, and you don't have to drain it after it stops the leak.
I have done this on other cars as well and it does work flawlessly.

Glad you found it and fixed yours.

Mine was more like $24 for the bottle though. And it was also for heater core fixes.
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