Hello Rotor Heads! (Skip to next paragraph for actual question) I just wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the community. I recently purchased my first RX-7 in the form of a black 88 (s4...cry) convertible with 85K on it for 2 grand. It has all the common problems, super bad wiring (the top still doesn't work), faded paint, all in all just a tired car. So at 23 years old I finally bought a car I intend to keep for more than a year or two. I have worked on cars before and my dad has just about any tools I could need, and I just really want to put some of myself into this one (I bought vanity plates and all - BOBS FC.)

Onto my problem; about a month ago I overheated my engine (dumb dumb dumb). After searching this MOST informative site I came to the conclusion that I blew a coolant seal. I found the link to Rotary Resurrection and the temp fix (I do plan on swapping in a TII as soon as I sell my truck for parts money), but I cannot find any CRC Copper Block Weld in my area (I live on Long Island, NY). Pep Boys just doesn't stock it and not many other retailers sell CRC stuff at all. I did happen to find "Bar's Leaks Metallic Liquid Copper Block and Radiator Sealer" which to me looks to be the same stuff, but was wondering if anyone has tried it out before, and if it was any good. On a separate line of thought, is the degreaser really that critical? I have been driving around with Prestone super radiator flush and water only (is that bad?) for about a week. Two days ago I decided to flush again before I found out I couldn't find the CRC and now it seems to be leaking into the combustion chamber a little more than before. The inside to the rad from the cap looks incredibly clean, but I also had put regular aluminum stop leak in it before I knew what the deal was.

Whew. That was a long first post (for me at least). I appreciate any help you guys can give and I'm sure you'll be (unfortunately) hearing from me again.

Thanks!
-Bob

 

About your top: Did you have the e-brake pulled up before trying to operate the top? It will not operate if it is not up.

About the stop leak, Irontite makes a product that works phenomonally called Ceramic Motor Sealer. It is close to $20 but actually works. Guitarjunkie swore by the stuff, and it doesn't do any bad things. But you must be absolutely sure that there is ONLY water in the cooling system before using it. If there is still any antifreeze and will solidify...

Their number is 1-800-821-7520.

Vince

 

Thanks for the input Vince, the top is not an e-brake issue, tried that after poking around on the site. I bought a new switch thinking the relay had gone since the wipers only worked on high, but even after replacing that it still doesn't work. As for the sealer, I'm gonna try the Bar's. From everything I've read its basically the same stuff, and I really need to do this sooner than later (actually right after I'm done here). On the plus side at least it's one more product that we can get some info on; I just get worried being the guinea pig... Wish me luck!

-Bob