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

white smoke = bad water seals?

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Old 08-12-03, 09:36 AM
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white smoke = bad water seals?

today i started my car after it was sitting for over a week and some white smoke came out of the exhaust for about 5 seconds. i think that white smoke is burning coolant but im not 100 percent sure. is this true? also, i have been experiencing some slight overheating problems lately. are my water seals bad?
Old 08-12-03, 09:43 AM
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Sounds like oil was just burning off from it leaking through the seals. Open your radiator and watch for bubbles.
Old 08-12-03, 09:48 AM
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If it stops that quick it may be nothing to worry about. However, ANY overheating problem on these engines isint slight! FIX IT NOW! Youl kick yourself in the *** later if you dont. Trust me.
Old 08-12-03, 09:59 AM
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If it smells sweet, it is coolant.
Old 08-12-03, 10:00 AM
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is white smoke oil or coolant?

If it stops that quick it may be nothing to worry about. However, ANY overheating problem on these engines isint slight! FIX IT NOW! Youl kick yourself in the *** later if you dont. Trust me
lol, ive been trying to figure it out for a while. i think it might be the fan but im not sure yet.
Old 08-12-03, 10:10 AM
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I ran mine all spring and summer without a fan, it only heated up if i sat and idled for around 10 minutes. Look elsewhere than the fan.
Old 08-12-03, 10:39 AM
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White= coolant
blue= oil
black= over rich (fuel)

Details/symptoms on the overheating?
Old 08-12-03, 12:37 PM
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the "smoke" you witnessed coming out of your car was most likely just steam from water that has condensed in your exhaust system over the last week or so.
Old 08-12-03, 12:44 PM
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the "smoke" you witnessed coming out of your car was most likely just steam from water that has condensed in your exhaust system over the last week or so.
oh ok, thanks.

rx7 carl, read my other post i just made
Old 08-12-03, 01:48 PM
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There are water/coolant passages that go thru the intake manifold. So the manifold is attached to the engine with a gasket and two "O" rings to seal the passages. These just about disintigrate after twenty years, and the result is the pressurized coolant leaking into the engine. It will get worse.
The gasket set is available at RB for about 5-7 bucks, I think, and it's a bitch to keep those damn "O" rings in place while putting the manifold back on. Use KY jelly, not petroleum jelly to keep them in place. People always suggest Vaseline to hold them there, but petrolium jelly will soften the rubber after a while.

It's your initiation. Everyone getting an Rx-7 that has'nt had the intake manifold gasket done will need the KY!
Old 08-12-03, 02:03 PM
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If your overheating than have a backflush done on your coolant system. That will usally make a dramit difference. Also, I'm fairly new with rotaries but the thermostate may need to be changed as well( if they have them: I'v found they don't have a lot of things piston engines don't have.
Old 08-12-03, 02:10 PM
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yea i already changed the thermostat too. my friend has a pressure washer, do u think if i used that it would help? are there any chemicals i can buy to mix with water that would dissolve the buildup in the rad?
Old 08-12-03, 03:28 PM
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You can use that stuff called ' purple power' degreaser.
stuff works awesome.
Old 08-12-03, 04:47 PM
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Originally posted by The_7
oh ok, thanks.

rx7 carl, read my other post i just made
Wheres the details? When does it run too warm? All the time? Sitting in traffic? Highway only????????????
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