I just bought a 1986 RX-7 today, infact. Sure, it's not in the best shape, but the recently rebuilt engine apparently only has 4000 miles on it. After driving more than 100 miles in the hot sun day, when I stopped, the car's catalytic converter started smoking, white smoke... and did so for a good few minutes.


Also, when I got to a stop sign, my idle started getting pretty rough, and the oil pressure took a nose dive. Then the "check coolant" light came on. I immediately checked the coolant, but it was fine --- filled right to the fill line. And the oil levels were just as perfect. Additionally, the temp guage showed almost exactly 1/2 when climbing a hill at about 3.5k rpms... I know how much these engines die at high temps, so should I be worried about any or all of these symptoms? I know practically nothing about rotary engines, but since this isn't going to be my daily driver --- is any of this normal???

Thanks...

--- Haz

 

If your check "add coolant" light is still on then you seriously do need a engine rebuild. people correct me if i'm wrong. But does the guy have a receipt for the rebuild??? If he doesn't I would take his word. Unless you have been beating on the car, to break the coolant seals.

 

not really the coolant seals always but check all the coolant lines if anything when motor is cold take the coolant cap off and turn on the car is you see bubbles coming up motor is shot and will need a rebuild but more info on the motor would help is it turbo/na and if you just purchased it you should do the 60k mile maintanance... i would agree dont ever take someones word unless the guy has proff that he rebuilt that motor ...
TwEaK

 

wow.... well, that's not good. What about smoke from the cat? Is that a telltale sign of impending doom also?

 

You're wrong.

The check coolant light is a warning of a potentiial problem. Not an 'Oh f*ck your engine is toast and you need a rebuild'. Seems that lately, way too many uninformed souls are jumping to that conclusion.

We more info on the smoking cat. Where exactly is the smoke coming from? Are there any exhaust leaks? Is the smoke coming out of the tailpipe also? If it isn't, then it is more likely a problem with the cat (Plugged cat).

Keep in mind that there may be more than one problem, and each one will need to be addressed.

 

Thanks... that seems like good [or at least better] news. The smoke from the cat is at the front --- right below the engine... no smoke coming from the back.

 

crazy... well... if nothing else, the engine bay looks fantastically beautiful.

 

I had a new bonez cat smoking recently, turned out to be a leaking rear seal on the transmission dripping onto the cat, got that fixed and no more smoke.

 

I'll have to get down there tomorrow in the light and see what's up... also --- from what I was told from the previous owner, he disconnected the power steering because it was leaking... could be PS fluid, I guess? Again, I'll see if I can get down there tomorrow and take some pics.

Thanks again for the help.