BlackGopher

Well I'm thinking I have some big problems, but I need some advice on whether or not I should bother to fix my FC (87 NA) so I can drive it for the next 3 or 4 months until I save enough money to get a rebuilt engine. The previous owner overheated engine and some cracks leak coolant into engine (a small leak, it still ran just fine aside from alittle smoke.)

Recently my thermostat decided to get stuck closed, I was driving it when I noticed my temp gauge getting high so I pulled over and shut it off immediately. Because it was so hot it was smoking slightly (barely visible smoke). I replaced my thermostat the other day and started the car and an incredibly thick pure white smoke poured out of the exhaust. A small amount of coolant was leaking out from between the thermostat housing and the engine and as I was torquing it up the proper amount the bolt snapped off in the socket (figures).

The question is, should I bother fixing it? or does sound like it's finally out of commision? this is assuming I can even manage to get the bolt out of that socket because I have simply no idea how to do that (about 1/4 of an inch of thread still showing to grab onto but it's too tight to wrench it off). The only reason I'm asking this is because I really need a car to get around in the meantime, and I simply dont have one.

VietFC

It sounds like you're done. If a huge amount of white smoke was coming out of the exhaust... you've either melted your coolant seals or you warped your housings. Coolant is not cheap either, so it's recommended you don't drive it. You'll also have an extreme loss of power.

Madrx7racer

meh...if you need it then drive it and get a new motor and send them your core.....if you don't drive it what will you use?

xtremeskier97

Man...I swear.....not trying to flame...but has ANYONE ever hear of PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION!?!!?!? My gosh...are people just to 'proud' to ride a bus or take a taxi to/from work for a few weeks to save up money to fix their car?!?! It's not just in this thread either...it's in A LOT of threads...."I cant get to my 2 jobs cuz I dont have a car, but I cant get money to fix my car cuz I cant get to work" wah wah wah!! Call a freakin TAXI...ya whiners!

Ok....now...back to the matter at hand. If you get a good set of vice grips you can most likely clamp onto that bolt and get it out of there. They also make 'easy out' bolt removers (Sears I know has them, as well as most car stores) that you take the drill bit and drill a small hole in the center of the broken bolt, and then screw(reverse threaded) the remover into the broken bolt and it removes it as you are screwing in the remover. Ive used mine several times on my 7 to get rusted/broken bolts off. They come in different sizes, so get the one that best fits your needs.

And as far as contiunuing to drive it once you get the thermostat installed and sealed properly...I would drive it, knowing that you WILL have to rebuild it soon. Just take it easy on the RPMs and keep a close eye on your coolant so that you dont over heat again. Then once youve saved up enough, buy a rebuilt on and ship them your core.

Good luck.

Madrx7racer

1. ppl are lazy
2.ppl are cheap
3. ppl are creepy(on public transportation)
4.ppl are cheap

86FC RX-7

around my area there is no such thing as public transportation. Maybe thats the case with him?