Is it a blown engine Head Gasket?
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Is it a blown engine Head Gasket?
Hey, I just got back from Jiffy lub and the guy changing the oil said that he thinks my engine head gasket is blown. He said there water comming out of the oil fillup hole (not sure what to call that thing). He found some white looking cream in there. Any ideas what the white stuff was?
Does this guy know what he talking about? Do you guys agree with this guy?
If so, do you think that most mechanics will be able to replace something like a head gasket? I'm don't live too close to any FD's specialists (bay area, CA).
The car seems to run fine. Should I not drive the car until its fixed?
Any idea what something like this might cost?
Thanks for your help
Sebastian
Does this guy know what he talking about? Do you guys agree with this guy?
If so, do you think that most mechanics will be able to replace something like a head gasket? I'm don't live too close to any FD's specialists (bay area, CA).
The car seems to run fine. Should I not drive the car until its fixed?
Any idea what something like this might cost?
Thanks for your help
Sebastian
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first of all rx7's dont have head gaskets unless there was a v8 engine swap. i dont know how familiar you are with rx7s but they have rotary engines, not piston engines. the best way I can explain that is to think of a dorito chip rotating inside a peanut shell.
that cream looking stuff is just condensation build up in the oil. this usually occurs in colder climates. so you definately have water in there. not sure where the water would be coming from though
that cream looking stuff is just condensation build up in the oil. this usually occurs in colder climates. so you definately have water in there. not sure where the water would be coming from though
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specially in the cold weather. BTW never take any car to jiffy lube. Obviously, they have no clue.
Start reading here
http://www.rotaryengineillustrated.com/animations.html
Last edited by MR_Rick; 11-19-08 at 07:08 PM.
#10
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Hey, I just got back from Jiffy lub and the guy changing the oil said that he thinks my engine head gasket is blown. He said there water comming out of the oil fillup hole (not sure what to call that thing). He found some white looking cream in there. Any ideas what the white stuff was?
Does this guy know what he talking about? Do you guys agree with this guy?
If so, do you think that most mechanics will be able to replace something like a head gasket? I'm don't live too close to any FD's specialists (bay area, CA).
The car seems to run fine. Should I not drive the car until its fixed?
Any idea what something like this might cost?
Thanks for your help
Sebastian
Does this guy know what he talking about? Do you guys agree with this guy?
If so, do you think that most mechanics will be able to replace something like a head gasket? I'm don't live too close to any FD's specialists (bay area, CA).
The car seems to run fine. Should I not drive the car until its fixed?
Any idea what something like this might cost?
Thanks for your help
Sebastian
This thread and the responses should be a good learning experience for you. Research on the rotary engine. It is engineering and design that is definitely "outside of the box". You should really learn about whats under your hood, for your own protection. You don't want to take it to a shop that has no experience....it will cost you dearly in the end. And FYI, places like Jiffy Lube don't employ ASE Certified mechanics. They train the guys on how to change oil and how to show you a dirty air filter that probably doesn't need to be replaced. Good luck.
Steve
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Maybe a coolant seal if anything.... Take it to Rotorsport here is the website... www.rotorsport2.com talk to Paul he knows what hes doing...
Chris
Chris
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http://auto.howstuffworks.com/rotary-engine.htm
very simple explanation.
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we'll I feel totally schooled but definetely in a good way. What a load off. Thanks everyone from the quick and informative response.
In response to some of your questions. No it doesn' smoke.
A few of you have shown some consern of a possible broken seal and/or why the water is in the engine in the first place? Most have said this is normal though.
Should I look into why water is in there or is it truly normal?
If I don't have to, I'd rather not take it to the shop right now as its my daily ride to work. However, it you think it could cause engine problems later I will definetely find some time soon.
Thanks again for you help guys,
Seb
In response to some of your questions. No it doesn' smoke.
A few of you have shown some consern of a possible broken seal and/or why the water is in the engine in the first place? Most have said this is normal though.
Should I look into why water is in there or is it truly normal?
If I don't have to, I'd rather not take it to the shop right now as its my daily ride to work. However, it you think it could cause engine problems later I will definetely find some time soon.
Thanks again for you help guys,
Seb
#17
Rotary Enthusiast
Although this guy obviously dosent know rotary engines, if he was able to spot water IN your oil then thats not good. Even if his diagnosis was wrong on whats causing it.
piston engine or not, the fact that he said your headgasket was screwed is irrellevant - just means hes a retard and dosent know rotarys, you still had water in your oil (im assuming). The tech just didnt know the reason for it.
Check your coolant for traces of oil and your oil for traces of coolant. If either are mixed you proberbly have a coolant seal problem.
If it was just some gunk built up around the oil FILLER cap then thats ok, if water came OUT the DRAIN hole mixed with oil thats bad.
you should have clarified with him if it was water in your oil, or just white gunk built up around the oil filler.
do the champaign test, that should tell you if your coolant seals are screwed or if the tech is just a retard.
good luck
piston engine or not, the fact that he said your headgasket was screwed is irrellevant - just means hes a retard and dosent know rotarys, you still had water in your oil (im assuming). The tech just didnt know the reason for it.
Check your coolant for traces of oil and your oil for traces of coolant. If either are mixed you proberbly have a coolant seal problem.
If it was just some gunk built up around the oil FILLER cap then thats ok, if water came OUT the DRAIN hole mixed with oil thats bad.
you should have clarified with him if it was water in your oil, or just white gunk built up around the oil filler.
do the champaign test, that should tell you if your coolant seals are screwed or if the tech is just a retard.
good luck
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where would I be able to find out about this "champaign test'', both my rx7 and rx8 have oil coolant problems.
edit:
sorry guys, just dug further in the search and found out what it was, just remove the cap and start the car to see if bubbles come out, one question though, which cap do I remove, the one on the tank closest to the engine or the cap that says filler by the smic?
edit:
sorry guys, just dug further in the search and found out what it was, just remove the cap and start the car to see if bubbles come out, one question though, which cap do I remove, the one on the tank closest to the engine or the cap that says filler by the smic?
Last edited by 20B 3 Rotor; 11-19-08 at 11:02 PM. Reason: mistake
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lets just make something clear. Just because someone is not knowledgeable about rotary engines doesnt make them a retard or a moron. if that were so then 90% of the entire population of the U.S. would be retarded. a lot of those guys that work at jiffy lube or valvoline express are kids that change oil and check fluids. you do not need to be a professional technician to hold those jobs.
Granted, he probably does not have the credentials to be giving mechanical advise to a customer but there is no need to belittle him.
Granted, he probably does not have the credentials to be giving mechanical advise to a customer but there is no need to belittle him.
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#23
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yea you should tell the guy at spiffy lube to chk his muffler bearings and blinker fluid!!!!HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.......... OIL CHANGES SHOULD BE DONE IN YOUR GARAGE, THATS AS EASY AS IT GETS!!!!!! and definitely take it to a specialist if you dont wanna DIY.........and stick with whats written above....
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