Blaen99

iTrader: (1)

So, I have a sneaking suspicion the seller was not perfectly candid with me when I purchased this RX-7.

He claimed "Oh, it's just the filler neck!", which made sense in the circumstances, as it had virtually no smoke on starting it (although, it was apparently just shut off shortly prior to us arriving, which was not implied by the seller). However, I cannot figure out some things with respect to the coolant.

So, I decided "Eh, what the hell. I'll get someone else to cold start it, and video the exhaust from a cold start."

The results, you may ask? http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/o...t=MVI_0698.flv

I then thought, "Eh, what the hell. Let's do the champagne test". I couldn't figure out the results, as it was hardly "champagne" in nature and looked unlike any Youtube video I found on the topic. So, here you go http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/o...t=MVI_0706.flv . However, the system apparently has a fair bit of air, and I believe there may be a leak in the coolant system somewhere else - there is NEVER smoke after it starts from the cold start shown above. Ever. There's no sweet smell in the exhaust. The coolant doesn't have any "oily"/"exhaust"-y feel/look/taste/w/e.

Additionally, the engine has yet to overheat. Period. Low on coolant? Yeah, but it does not budge from where it sits on the temperature gauge, unless it "leaks" sufficient coolant to be amazingly low.

wogboy_9000

First video looks completely normal. Starts up well. The second shows some air in the system.. but may be ok. When you did the coolant test was the engine hot?

Blaen99

iTrader: (1)

Yep, fully heated up.

Blaen99

iTrader: (1)

Found the "leak"!

I have video, will be posting shortly.

Blaen99

iTrader: (1)

Well, I'll let the videos do the talking

While the car is on: http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/o...t=MVI_0708.flv

When it is turned off: http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/o...t=MVI_0709.flv

There is no coolant in the engine based on every test I can do without doing a pressure test on it.

Would this be some sort of leak somewhere? 'Cause from what I understand about a rotary, I'm fairly certain that it's not burning up in the engine, exhausting exhaust gases AND the burnt coolant to the forward hood*, and then somehow still exhausting via the exhaust! Plus, as can be shown, the "steam" from coolant actually gets worse after it is shut off - if the rotary isn't running, how can the steam get worse if it's a coolant seal?

*: There is no oil, gas, nor any type of exhaust in the coolant.

FC_DRFT

Try Moroso Ceramic Seal. I used it in an 13b i had that blew a coolant seal and is working great now.

CyberPitz

Did you even read any of the threat/watch a video?

Is it completely out of the question that a coolant hose somewhere is leaking onto part of the engine? Do you hear a "Hiss" sound anywhere?

Derek King

iTrader: (2)

im having a similar situation from just getting a tii. my coolant is dissapearing and not leaking anywhere. has absolutely no smoke out of the exhaust maybe a little in the morning. temps will go up 3/4 the temp guage then cycle and come down to 1/4 on the guage and stay there.

there is nothing in the coolant as far as exhaust smell or oil or anything.
the oil looks fine as well.

Blaen99

iTrader: (1)

No, it's not out of the question Cyberpitz. And yes, there may be a slight hiss sound.

Beyond a 'Hiss' sound, what else should I be looking for? I may have access to a pressure tester tomorrow for about an hour, so I'm trying to figure out exactly what needs to be tested.

CyberPitz

What about under the car, are there any drips on the ground that could help pinpoint where the leak my be? You may just have to get under it and look around and see where the smoke is coming from hopefully.

I've never quite pressure tested anything, so I can't give you any specific answers on that. My leak looking extends to feeling all around the spot until I find the leak, then scratch my head and wonder how I will fix it :P

Blaen99

iTrader: (1)

There isn't a leak ANYWHERE under the car.

You didn't see it in the video, but I had newsprint spread out all under the car to see if even a drop leaked. There was not a single drop on it ANYWHERE.

CyberPitz

So that just means that it is, pressure related with the car, I believe, as it would dribble down over the night or something and fall down to the ground. When it's on, something hot burns it right up.

This one has a big attached to it.

Blaen99

iTrader: (1)

YEah, and it continues burning the coolant even while off.

I first thought it was the exhaust and leaking, but that's not possible. Exhaust would not get WORSE after you turn it off, and stay that way for 30ish+ seconds.

CyberPitz

Yeah, when I saw your first video of the car on, I thought that same exact thing, but when it turned off...I got pretty flabbergasted!

Blaen99

iTrader: (1)

Throwing out a theory.

The coolant is dripping somewhere near/on the exhaust.

Instantly burns.

I have an idea how to test this, brb.

Blaen99

iTrader: (1)

Took it out for a drive for about 10 minutes, never took it above 4500 rpm.

NO smoke/steam/whatever, NOTHING.

However, I DID locate a leak finally. I know the general location it is coming from!

Newsprint ftw!

And now time for a WTF moment

The leak on the newsprint is from an entirely different side/place than the smoking.

In fact, I'd go so far as to say it's impossible for the leak on the newsprint to be the same leak as the smoke.

Any other ideas?

cmanns

Before the engines fully warmed up maybe squeeze on the rad hose alil with the cap closed + engine on, you may get it to leak extra.

or

Turn on car, I believe higher rpms runs the water pump faster correct?

If so, rev it up and hold it and it should leak + cold exhaust = wont steam.

Blaen99

iTrader: (1)

I'll give that a shot, thank you.

Blaen99

iTrader: (1)

Unable to get it to leak at all while it is cold....

KompressorLOgic

iTrader: (6)

sometimes the hose on the rear iron under the upper intake manifold can spring a leak,a nd causing it to run down to the ehxuast.

88RXVERT

iTrader: (5)

Try this, have a friend start it COLD and hold the RPM’s very steady at about 2000 rpm, you take radiator cap off then have him rev it and hold it steady at about 5000 RPM’s, when he does this you will notice the fluid in the radiator drop, quickly fill up the radiator and cap it off, then turn it off, this should slightly over pressurize the system and force the leak to come out faster so you can indentify the source.

If he does not keep it steady it will overflow and may spoil you chance to properly finding the leak or if you spill while filling.


Its worth a try, you may also consider having the front end jacked up so you can get under the car and find the leak and follow it up. Good luck!


BTW, I think it is the coolant hose between the UIM and the LIM, I think it only looks like it is coming from the front because the fan is pulling the smoke to the front/ right side of the engine bay, once you turn your car off you may notice that the smoke is coming from further back near your exhaust manifold.

cmanns

+1 for this

JunpoweR

iTrader: (1)

It looks like your filler neck where the top radiator hose connects to the engine side.If i'm not mistaken I can see a trace of green fluid around it and drip stains down your thermostat neck.
All you might have to do is remove it and reseal it.
The steam is comming from it driping onto your exhaust headers or reactive chamber manifold.
LOCATE IT!
FIX IT ALREADY!

hondahater

iTrader: (2)

That is one mad tyte jdm intake!!11!!d You can tell the previous owner spared no spence upgrading that bad boy

Blaen99

iTrader: (1)

Already did that today. I'll be giving it a go tomorrow.

Crossing my fingers that that is it.

OMG! LIKE NO SPENCE!